Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) has entered an agreement with Central Liquor Company to form a new joint venture (JV) distributorship in Oklahoma.

The JV distributorship was formed as a result of Oklahoma’s changing alcohol laws, which will come into effect from 1 October next year. The entity will distribute wines, spirits, and beer in the state.

The law change will allow brewers to shift from a four-tier system to a three-tier system, a move that will expand the new company’s retail customer base by 3,695 accounts.

The JV will eventually be taken over by RNDC as the managing partner.

“The new JV will operate out of a 406,000ft² automated distribution centre in Oklahoma City.”

RNDC president and CEO Tom Cole said: “October 1 will be a momentous day for the state of Oklahoma, and for RNDC.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to move from being a broker to a distributor, and expand our valued and longstanding partnership with the Naifeh family and their Oklahoma team.”

The new JV will operate out of a 406,000ft² automated distribution centre in Oklahoma City.

Central Liquor Company partner Brad Naifeh said: “We take great pride in the roots our family has established in Oklahoma. Following the repeal of prohibition, we became just the sixth company to receive a liquor license.

“It is only fitting that changes in legislation would once again mark a new chapter in our family’s story with this significant partnership with RNDC.”