That’s the allegation by Jon Thompson, who was fired last month by the No. 1 liquor distributor, in a suit in Benton County (Ark.) County Court. The suit has been moved to the U.S. District Court in Fayetteville, Ark.
Thompson alleged he was fired because of “his unwillingness to engage in collusive, anti-competitive, illegal and deceptive conduct and his complaints concerning the same.” He’s asking $30 million in damages from Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits of Arkansas LLC, which has its primary office in Dallas, and its parent company.
Southern Glazer’s said the charges were without merit and vowed to aggressively defend.
The Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Division said all retailers must have the opportunity to take advantage of the same deals. Special pricing violates state and federal laws, it said.
In his suit, Thomas, who was Southern Glazer’s national account manager for Wal-mart and Sam’s Club, listed examples of times Wal-Mart paid more than its competitors.