Debbie Schlussel: So, Big Brother Walks into a Wisconsin Bar . . .
Unfortunately, it's no joke when Big Brother visits a Wisconsin Bar.
On Monday, we'll be remembering the soldiers who've given their lives for our freedoms. But in silly, piddling ways, our legislatures and other authorities are taking those freedoms away.
Take Ray Wendt, American Legion bar owner in Port Washington, Wisconsin. He's been fined $172 for committing a crime. And you'll never guess what the "crime" is. It's not for serving underage drinkers or being open after state-regulated hours for serving alchohol.
Nope. Ray Wendt's "crime" is that he used Miller Lite tap on a Coors Light keg.
Wendt doesn't sell Coors Light on tap, but it was left over from a wedding. He tried putting the Coors Light handle on the tap but it wouldn't fit so instead he told his customers what they were drinking.
And that, my friends, is the newest in crime in Wisconsin (and probably other states, where beer companies and distributors have coached legislators to make this law).
Remember, Big Brother enters your life--and your bar--in the strangest--and most stupid--ways. No way the state should dictate such minutiae to a bar owner trying to run his business. Big government is everywhere.
More from Milwaukee's WTMJ:
"Yeah I was ticked off when I got this [ticket]. $172," Wendt said. . . ."What difference what kind of handle's on it as long as the product is known to the consumer," customer Thomas Mikorski said.
'Were you telling your customers they were drinking Coors?" TODAY'S TMJ4 reporter Melissa McCrady asked. "That's right. They knew they were drinking Coors," Wendt replied.
Port Washington police are following the rules. They fined Wendt during a routine inspection for "beer tap dispensing different beer than indicated." . . .
Wendt has fixed the problem. He's considering fighting the ticket.
Our soldiers fight--and give their lives--for our freedoms, over there. Yet, over here, we're giving out tickets regarding what particular beer comes out of which tap.
Posted by Debbie on May 25, 2007 12:57 PM to Debbie Schlussel