Maine bans Santa Claus on suds bottle

By Stone Martindale Dec 3, 2006, 18:49 GMT

Santa Claus rides a handcar in Mellensee, Germany, Tuesday, 28 November 2006. EPA/Patrick Pleul

It's that time of year again, the holday madness that includes shopping, eating and drinking, dotted with elusive seasonal beverages like egg nog and specialty brewed beers decorated with the icons of the Christmas holiday. The hardcore yankee state of Maine isn't having it, banning Santa from a microbrewery beer label.

The Boston Globe reports that beer distributors Shelton Brothers, based in Massachusetts, is accusing Maine’s Bureau of Liquor Enforcement of censorship. Maine’s BLE refuses to okay the sale of the suds that depict Santa Claus on the label, in the state of Maine.

The label artwork shows a rear view of Santa sitting on a barrel, drinking a beer. The beer is called Santa’s Butt Winter Porter.

New England neighboring states have bedeviled the beer distributors, with a similar lawsuit filed last year with the state of Connecticut over a label depicting an elf. Daniel Shelton, owner of the distributing company, has said, “Last year it was elves. This year it’s Santa. Maybe next year it’ll be a reindeer.” Reports the Globe.

A lawsuit was filed by the Bay State beer distributors, claiming that Maine is violating the companies First Amendment Rights.

Maine government officials fired back by saying that the state is within its right and the label depicting Santa could appeal to impressionable kids.

Maine, also known as The Pine Tree State, recognizes the white pine tree as its designated state symbol. Maine possesses over 17 million acres of forests.  Here are some more fun Maine facts courtesy of 50states.com: