Flying Dog Will Pursue Lawsuit Despite Michigan Reversal

Flying Dog Brewery reports on its blog that the Michigan Liquor Control Commission reversed its ban on the brewery's Raging Bitch yesterday. But that doesn't mean the whole controversy is over. The Frederick-based brewery says it is carrying on with its First Amendment lawsuit against the commission, explaining that the purpose of the suit wasn't just to get Raging Bitch on Michigan shelves, but "also to deem their ability to ban any beer label that they find offensive unconstitutional."

This whole mess began back in September of 2009 when the Michigan commission denied Flying Dog's application because of its label. Sharon Martin, director of licensing, told The Gazette back in March — when Flying Dog filed its lawsuit — that the commission has the right to reject any label "that is deemed to promote racism, sexism, intemperance or intoxication, or to be detrimental to the health, safety or welfare of the general public."
· Victory for Raging Bitch, but our First Amendment Fight with Michigan Rages On [Flying Dog Official Site]
· Flying Dog's 'Raging Bitch' beer label sparks suit [The Gazette]
· All Previous Flying Dog Coverage [-EDC-]