Maryland-based Flying Dog Brewery plans to appeal federal judge's decision that Michigan liquor commissioners are immune to a lawsuit over a beer with a name that's offensive to some people
Nevin Barich
GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan
,
July 3, 2012
(Associated Press)
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A Maryland brewery says it plans to appeal a federal judge's decision that Michigan liquor commissioners are immune to a lawsuit over a beer with a name that's offensive to some people.
The Michigan Liquor Control Commission reversed course in 2011 and let Flying Dog Brewery sell ale called Raging B----.
The Frederick, Md., brewery continued to sue commissioners, saying its First Amendment rights were violated and it lost money during the time the 2009 ban was in effect.
Federal Judge Robert Jonker in Grand Rapids last week ruled in favor of the commissioners, saying they serve in a judicial function and are immune to a lawsuit.
Brewery lawyer Alan Gura says he's disappointed at the decision and says the now-lifted ban violated its free-speech rights.
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