CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) — A consumer class action lawsuit alleges Molson Coors' "Ranch Water" labeling is misleading because the beverage does not contain tequila.
Jonathan Nootens, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, filed a complaint Dec. 13 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Molson Coors Beverage Company alleging violation of the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act, breaches of express warranty, negligent misrepresentation and other claims.
According to his class action, Nootens purchased the defendant's "Ranch Water Hard Seltzer" at various locations in the fall of 2022. They were labeled as "100% Agave & Real Lime Juice" and as containing "Spiked Sparkling Water" while sold under the "Topo Chico" brand.
He claims that he expected the product to contain alcohol from tequila due to the drink's misleading label. He alleges the product does not contain alcohol from tequila and does not include Topo Chico naturally sparkling mineral water from Mexico, which is "essential" to a ranch water beverage.
Nootens further alleges that the product label also misleadingly shows a picture of the agave plant, which is tthe source crop for tequila, and that consumers expect the defendant's beverage to contain tequila and others ingredients associated with ranch water.
Nootens and the class seek monetary relief, interest, trial by jury and all other just relief. They are represented by Spencer Sheehan of Sheehan & Associates PC in Great Neck, New York.
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois Eastern Division case number 1:22-CV-07010