Gateway Liquor enters into liquidation

Gateway Liquor Wholesalers, a Sydney based distributor, has announced that it is entering into liquidation. The notice was given at a general meeting of the members of the company last Friday 1 March. 

The ASIC notice named Clifford John Sanderson and John Raymond Gibbons as liquidators. However, a timeline of the process is yet to be established. 

“Notice is given that at a general meeting of the members of the Company held on 01 March 2024, it was resolved that the Company be wound up and that Clifford John Sanderson and John Raymond Gibbons be appointed liquidator(s),” said the notice.

The liquidation announcement also presents cause of concern for the National Independent Liquor Wholesalers Association (NILWA). In addition to Gateway Liquor, NILWA only has two further Wholesale Members, Rivercity Wholesale Liquor and Monacellars Liquor Specialists, meaning the liquidation of the company will likely have significant repercussions.

NILWA declined to comment on the potential implications for the company when asked by Drinks Trade this morning.

The news will likely come as a surprise for much of the industry given Gateway Liquor’s solid foundations. Self-described as a service-oriented distributor operating exclusively in Sydney, Southern Highlands and the Central Coast, its range covers all categories including beer, wine, spirits, and mixers, all delivered by its own full time logistics team. Its avoidance of third party operators has enabled it to guarantee the successful delivery of every order made before 2pm, earning it a reputation of convenience and consistency in the Sydney metropolitan area. 

Gateway Liquor is also a member of Signature Drinks, an on-premise customer banner and marketing hub based on the Central Coast. Signature Drinks is owned by parent company NILWA.