Of course, the real motivator, the potential loss of freedom is a sentence passed only against the poor. The filthy rich get only a comparatively small fine and are left to do it again and again, as long as it’s profitable. The only reason they’re prosecuted at all is so the state gets their cut. It’s not a “bribe” if the state “makes” you hand it over. Quite the racket.

Also, apparently, the distributor “agreed to pay”, instead of “was forced to pay”.

I am sure that the agreed upon cost of doing business was greater than the gains.

I imagine these are the same folks behind preventing craft breweries from continuing to ship their beer around the state.