A beer poster produced by Frederick-based Flying Dog Brewery featuring an image of Councilmember Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) was taken down today at the behest of Barry’s lawyer.

The poster, which showed Barry next to the text “Crack One Open D.C.,” was advertising a release party this Saturday at Jack Rose Saloon for its Underdog Atlantic Lager. But according to a tweet this afternoon from head brewer Matthew Brophy, a lawyer representing Barry called the brewery this morning. “Guess it is better than having to bail him out,” joked Brophy.

Barry’s lawyer, Fred Cooke, confirmed that he called Flying Dog CEO Jim Caruso and asked him to take down the ad. According to Cooke, it had nothing to do with the tastefulness (or lack thereof) of the ad, but rather the simple fact that it’s illegal to use a person’s likeness for commercial purposes without their permission.

Cooke said Caruso was cooperative; as of earlier this afternoon, the ad had disappeared from the company’s Facebook page, though it was still available via a link tweeted out yesterday.

Filed Under: beer, flying dog brewery, fred cooke, marion barry,