A beer distributor says Maine is being a Scrooge by barring it from selling a beer with a label depicting Santa Claus enjoying a pint of brew.
In a complaint filed in federal court, Shelton Brothers accuses the Maine Bureau of Liquor Enforcement of censorship for denying applications for labels for Santa’s Butt Winter Porter and two other beers it wants to sell in Maine.
The dispute recalls a similar squabble last year when Connecticut told Shelton Brothers it had problems with its Seriously Bad Elf ale.
“Last year it was elves. This year it’s Santa. Maybe next year it’ll be reindeer,” said Daniel Shelton, owner of the company in Belchertown, Massachusetts.
The lawsuit, filed Thursday, contends the state’s action violates the First Amendment by censoring artistic expression.
In years past, the company has had labels challenged in a few states, including Ohio, North Carolina and Missouri, he said.
States have the power to regulate alcohol through the 21st Amendment, which repealed Prohibition in 1933. “But I don’t know where they get the idea they can ignore the rest of the Constitution,” Shelton said.
Welcome to the land of wicked good humor.
Ha. The beer is made in Belchertown. You cant make this stuff up!
The problem is with elected officials who think they were elected to represent the state on aesthetic values, and subjective morality and abuse their position by irrational censorship.
Considering Sam Adams beer, has 18 varities, we get 2…In this state.
what about eggnog?
BATF regulations have long forbidden the use of Santa Claus on any beverage alcohol label. Nothing new here.
They could have banned it because of the bad joke. The large barrels they aged the beer in is often called a butt.
Is there any way to blame this on Muslims? I haven’t seen the action newsletter yet.
“Is there any way to blame this on Muslims?”
I thought we were supposed to blame it on Bush…
Looks like Santa has the constitution in his left hand and a pint of something in his right hand.
Santa Always reminded me of some Happy old drunk that loved kids.
They should leave him alone!
Hey Now! BA BA Booowey!
I wonder what Santa’s terrorist rating is. He sure makes a lot of one way stops.
#10, and he only has carry on luggage too.
lol #8 – I get the feeling that “jihad” isnt in santa’s lexicon
It was banned because it *might* appeal to children?! Where does that end? A cold drink might appeal to children. A frosty mountain might appeal to children. A spiffy crown might appeal to children. Ridiculous.