HELENA — The owners of Lolo Liquor are challenging a new Montana law they say violates their contract with the state and will cost them thousands in commission.
The lawsuit was originally filed in Montana district court in May, but the state had the issue moved to U.S. District Court in Helena on Thursday.
Josh and Leigh Paffhausen claim a provision of Senate Bill 193 that takes effect in February will unconstitutionally lower a discount the business receives when purchasing liquor through the state. They say it could cost the store an estimated $177,000 each year.
The law was crafted in part to send additional state funds to preventing and treating alcohol abuse.
State officials declined to comment and attorneys for the store could not be immediately reached Thursday afternoon.