Beer behemoth fined $150,000 for liquor law violations in Seattle

SEATTLE, Wash. — Anheuser-Busch, the company that produces Budweiser, is facing a $150,000 fine for allegedly violating “pay-to-play” liquor laws in Seattle.

The massive beer company could also incur a three-day suspension or have to pay an additional $1,000 waiver.

The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board issued the violation in response to an elaborate investigation showing that the company had entered into an illegal agreement of with two Seattle concert venues.

The company allegedly paid The Showbox and Showbox Sodo an exclusive promotional fee in exchange for product exclusivity, effectively locking out competitors.

Anheuser-Busch, an arm of multinational conglomerate AB InBev, operates 12 brewing companies in the United States.

Cox Media Group