12-9-118. Repurchase of inventory upon termination.

(a) Whenever any malt beverage distributor enters into a franchise agreement with a manufacturer in which the distributor agrees to maintain an inventory of malt beverages and the franchise is subsequently terminated, the manufacturer shall repurchase the inventory as provided in this act. If the distributor has any outstanding debts to the manufacturer, then the repurchase amount may be credited to the distributor's account.

(b) The manufacturer shall repurchase that inventory previously purchased from him and held by the distributor on the date of termination of the contract. The manufacturer shall pay one hundred percent (100%) of the distributor's laid-in cost, payable when the product is returned to the manufacturer free and clear of all liens, claims and charges created or permitted by the distributor.

(c) Upon payment of the repurchase amount to the distributor, the title and right of possession to the repurchased inventory shall be transferred to the manufacturer.

(d) A distributor shall not keep any inventory except with the consent of the manufacturer and the distributor's agreement that such product will be maintained and sold in accordance with the manufacturer's product handling standards.

(e) If any manufacturer shall fail or refuse to repurchase any inventory covered under the provisions of this act within sixty (60) days after termination of a distributor's contract, he shall be civilly liable for one hundred percent (100%) of the current wholesale price of the inventory plus any freight charges paid by the distributor, the distributor's reasonable attorney's fees, court costs and interest on the current wholesale price computed at the legal interest rate.