Wal-Mart Takes Texas’ “Protectionist” Laws to Task in Lawsuit

You may recall our previous report that Wal-Mart is lobbying lawmakers in Texas (and Florida) for the right to sell spirits [see WSD 01-16-2015] . The retailer decided to double down this week and file a federal lawsuit against the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.In Texas, Wal-Mart can sell wine and beer, but is forbidden from owning a package store permit and therefore from selling spirits. In the initial complaint, Wal-Mart claims it is "irrationally banned from competing with privately owned