The New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) fined two liquor stores $20,000 each for cooperative buying. The stores are owned by a husband and wife, each owning one store.
New York rules prohibit joining together to purchase products at a reduced, volume discounted price.
A clip from the hearing is available here and worth watching: SLA Co-Op Clip
As you will see from the video, many members of the SLA wanted to cancel both licenses. However, it was noted that the couple fully cooperated with the SLA and this was their first infraction.
In the end, the SLA balanced its desire to send a strong message with the desire to encourage cooperation and settled on a $20,000 fine per store.