Scofflaw BrewDog

I don’t make political statements, I make f***ing beer!

This article has been updated to include additional information on PR firm Frank’s response and subsequent apology via Facebook.

Before the sun rose in the states today Atlanta-based brewery Scofflaw Brewing Co. was already buried in controversy in the UK.  The issue, a press release offering free beer from Scofflaw at BrewDog bars during their UK launch, but only for Trump supporters.

Shirah tells us their PR firm, Frank, issued the release without his knowledge or consent.  Shirah adds, “I don’t make political statements, I make f***ing beer!”  The only thing Frank has said at this point was that the release came from a “rogue element” from within their agency.  I asked Shirah if there had been any discussions of Trump-related marketing prior to this, he said he was asked if they were willing to do something involving Trump and immediately declined adding, “Why the f**k would a US brewer do something pro-Trump in the UK?”  Scofflaw has demanded that Frank issue a retraction and apology but so far that has not happened.

UPDATE:  “Polly” from Frank. attempted to retract the original press release.  A copy of the email was shared on Twitter at 5:19 AM Eastern.  In text messages exchanged with Shirah he has been told by Frank that they will only issue an apology and retraction if Scofflaw agrees to sign a waiver of all legal right.  Shirah declined and has turned the issue over to his attorneys.

Scofflaw Brewing
A few members of the Scofflaw Brewing team.  (L-R): Joe McIntyre; Co-founders JP Watts, Matt Shirah and Travis Herman (photo courtesy Scofflaw Brewing)

The immediate fallout from this debacle was a call Shirah received from BrewDog co-founder James Watt, who immediately canceled all of their launch events and said he was sending all the beer back to the US.  Scofflaw has an agreement to contract brew some of their beers at the BrewDog facility in Columbus, OH.  When asked how this would impact that relationship Shirah said that remains to be seen.  BrewDog is contractually obligated to brew Scofflaw’s beer, but they are not sure how the relationship will stand beyond that.

BrewDog made statements on social media that they had no knowledge of the pro-Trump press release and confirmed the immediate cancellation of all of Scofflaw’s events.  They also issued an offer of free beer to those that “care about people and beer – not hate” in their UK bars as well as Berlin and Brussels.

Not the first controversy for Scofflaw

Scofflaw isn’t new to controversy.  In response to online complaints, they told one person if they didn’t like their beer “don’t f***ing drink it.”  This escalated and eventually resulted in Scofflaw posting an older picture of their entire team flipping off the camera.  More recently, videos of them shooting beer they deemed unworthy of release with automatic rifles and slashing the tires of a vehicle parked in a handicap space have been posted.  These antics have, amazingly, earned Scofflaw even more loyal fans and, un-amazingly, a number of detractors.

Shirah repeatedly stated that they have no interest in being political.  Scofflaw had previously made an offer of a free beer to anyone, regardless of their political stance, during the UK launch events.  “I’ll buy a beer for anyone, I don’t care who you are or what you believe.  I just want to make and drink f###ing beer.”

The outrage has gone well beyond online venting.  Shirah says he’s received messages ranging from “get the hell out of our country” to death threats and cannot leave his hotel room.  “I’m just trying to figure out how to get out of the UK.  What a f***ing mess.”

UPDATE: Jay Rayner posted the following on Twitter, which was missed by many covering this story.  The initial press release is included, followed by a retraction from “Polly” at the PR firm Frank.  The second image was posted at 5:19 AM Eastern time.

Scofflaw BrewDog Trump

Scofflaw BrewDog Trump

UPDATE 09/28/18: Frank. has issued an apology via Facebook and Scofflaw issued the below press release.

https://www.facebook.com/Welcome2Frank/posts/372615736610019?__xts__[0]=68.ARCBiupJ-16vOF6cLBbMEAgBFDQ8xQg29w-bu13ASvmaQHcPYNFkSWkqhCcMobJlXn0mev8pF74RV9A0XHcIRe-jVjxeCXdPaYYwwhR6Y6OP8sg023FT8zmkKUzGx3dh_FLOtBVEHD2DIn-8wjgRx1Vioi9xorh3vD72m8JtZFVQBdfs4Jvm&__tn__=-R

Press release via Scofflaw Brewing:

Scofflaw Brewing Co. outraged at misrepresentation by an agency in the UK

Georgia brand head butts the false social media post released without knowledge or consent on their behalf.

ATLANTA (September 28, 2018) – Scofflaw Brewing Co. is appalled by the inaccurate posts released yesterday morning by a UK agency that Scofflaw hired to promote its UK tour. Those posts were released without Scofflaw’s knowledge or approval.

The agency issued a follow-up release asking the thousands of journalists to whom they sent the original, to disregard the information, saying: “You may have received an email with incorrect information regarding Scofflaw Brewery entering the UK market, encouraging Trump supporters to join them for a beer. PLEASE NOTE, THIS WAS INCORRECT INFORMATION AND IS NOT A MESSAGE FROM THE BRAND. Please accept my huge apologies for the confusion and do not run the piece.”

Scofflaw owner Matt Shirah directed his commentary accordingly, “This post is absolute nonsense. While we definitely have country roots, no one at Scofflaw Brewing or those associated with our brand, is now or has ever been, rooted in hate. We do not tolerate hate — that’s just idiotic.”

“We welcome anyone who enjoys good beer. Scofflaw’s ascension in the States and our presence here in the UK is propagated in hard work and humble beginnings. This misinformation shared over social media today is simply wrong … we could care less about your political viewpoint, only that you like our beer.”

This story is developing, check back for updates.

https://beerguysradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Scofflaw-and-Brewdog-800x419.jpghttps://beerguysradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Scofflaw-and-Brewdog-150x150.jpgTim DennisBreweriesNewsBrewDog,Frank,Scofflaw,trump,UKI don't make political statements, I make f***ing beer! This article has been updated to include additional information on PR firm Frank's response and subsequent apology via Facebook. Before the sun rose in the states today Atlanta-based brewery Scofflaw Brewing Co. was already buried in controversy in the UK.  The issue,...Cold beer, hot conversations, stupid jokes.