The Oklahoma Supreme Court says a lower court should first consider a case brought by a group of liquor wholesalers who are challenging a change in the state’s alcohol laws.
The court rejected the request Monday to immediately take the lawsuit and issue an injunction blocking the law signed last month by Gov. Kevin Stitt. The court sent the case to Oklahoma County District Court.
The law requires top brands of wine and spirits to be sold to all Oklahoma alcohol wholesalers. Currently, manufacturers can designate a single wholesaler to distribute their products.
The group contends the law unconstitutionally changes the amendment passed by voters in 2016 that also allows the sale of strong beer in grocery and convenience stores and the sale of cold, strong beer in liquor stores.