128-year-old beer, wine, and spirits distributor, Republic National Distributing Company, was a major company affected as it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, seeking going-concern sales of its remaining assets, a wind down of operations, completion of transition services agreements, and approval of its equity holder settlement. National Distributing Company Inc. is not a part of the Chapter 11 filing, the company said in a statement on its website. Republic National Distributing Company has been selling off its operations across the nation this year.ShutterstockRepublic National's business declineRepublic National Distributing Company filed its petition as its business's financial position deteriorated after the Covid-19 pandemic subsided in late 2022 and demand for off-premises alcohol consumption plummeted. Spirits company executives, however, are confident that the industry will persevere despite the economic decline. "While total U.S. spirits sales edged down 2.2% in 2025, the spirits industry remains resilient, driven by innovative products that continue to spark consumer interest," said Chris Swonger, CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council.