4 Del. Admin. Code § 901-7.0

Current through Reigster Vol. 28, No. 6, December 1, 2024

Section 901-7.0 - Good Cause for Involuntary Termination or Transfer

7.1 Notwithstanding the provisions of the distribution contract between the parties, when, for good cause, a licensed supplier seeks to withdraw involuntarily distribution rights for alcoholic beverages already being sold in this State from a licensed wholesaler by termination of the relationship, transfer of brands or otherwise, and to confer those distribution rights on another licensed wholesaler, the Commissioner shall not approve the request unless the supplier establishes that "good cause", as defined in this Rule, exists to permit such termination or transfer as a result of the acts or omissions of the existing wholesaler.

7.2 Because good cause can only be established based upon the acts or omissions of the existing wholesaler, it is not a sufficient basis that a supplier has obtained the rights to supply such alcoholic beverages in Delaware by means of a merger, purchase of stock, purchase of assets, or other acquisition, or by otherwise becoming the new regional or national supplier of such products. Any supplier obtaining such rights does so subject to the existing distribution relationship in Delaware for such alcoholic beverages.

7.3 The term "good cause" as used in this Rule shall include:

7.3.1 The failure or refusal of the wholesaler to comply substantially with a material provision of the distribution contract (including any provision establishing standards of performance), which provision is essential, fair and reasonable, after having received written notice of such failure from the supplier and having failed within sixty days thereafter to correct substantially such deficiency; provided, however, that such notice and opportunity to correct the deficiency is not required when the deficiency results from a licensed wholesaler's (i) felony conviction, (ii) fraudulent conduct, (iii) sales of the supplier's brands outside of its agreed upon sales territory, or (iv) failure to pay and continued failure to make payment to the supplier after receipt of written notice of the delinquency and demand for payment within the period of time agreed upon by the parties or ten business days, whichever is greater.

7.3.2 In the absence of any express provision in the distribution contract establishing standards of performance, the failure of the wholesaler to meet reasonable and fair standards of performance based upon the custom and practice of the industry, after having received written notice of such failure from the supplier and having failed within sixty days thereafter to correct substantially such deficiency; provided, however, that such notice and opportunity to correct the deficiency is not required when the deficiency results from a licensed wholesaler's (i) felony conviction, (ii) fraudulent conduct, (iii) sales of the supplier's brands outside of its agreed upon sales territory, or (iv) failure to pay and continued failure to make payment to the supplier after receipt of written notice of the delinquency and demand for payment within the period of time agreed upon by the parties or ten business days, whichever is greater.

7.3.3 The insolvency or bankruptcy of the wholesaler;

7.3.4 The dissolution or liquidation of the wholesaler's business;

7.3.5 The loss for more than thirty consecutive days by the wholesaler of any federal or state license necessary to carry out the provisions of the distribution contract between the parties whether by revocation, cancellation, failure to renew, suspension, or otherwise;

7.3.6 The assignment, transfer or sale of the ownership or substantial assets of the wholesale licensee's business whenever the wholesaler to be substituted is financially unable to assume the obligations under the distribution contract, or lacks the business experience or qualifications necessary to protect the legitimate interests of the supplier. The burden of establishing such inability shall be upon the supplier.

4 Del. Admin. Code § 901-7.0

19 DE Reg. 775 (02/01/16)