Years ago, I handled a challenge to the decision of the State of Idaho to ban the sale of “Five Wives Vodka” due to the illegality of polygamy in the state. We succeeded in having the decision reversed. Now, however, another Utah brewery has lost its appeal of a decision to bar the sale of “Polygamy Porter” in North Carolina due to the fact that “polygamy is illegal.” It is an illogical and capricious decision that should be further appealed.
In July, officials banned the sales and Wasatch Brewery challenged the policy with the North Carolina Alcohol Beverage Control Commission, which has now ruled against it. The logic is that, since polygamy is illegal, depicting an illegal act on a label is barred. It is an example of long outmoded laws protecting public sensibilities. The puritanical boards has also barred “Beergasm,” “Kissing Cousins,” “Daddy Needs His Juice,” and “Wine for the Super Hero.”
There are various beers with references to illegal acts like My Favorite Murder beer. Of course, the board may prefer Brouwerij De Molen’s Cease & Desist Beer.