Judge dismisses lawsuit against Michigan regulators in dispute over the name of a Maryland beer, saying that commissioners serve in a judicial function and are immune to a lawsuit

GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan , July 2, 2012 (Associated Press) – A judge says Michigan liquor commissioners are immune to a lawsuit over a beer with a name that's offensive to some people.



The state's Liquor Control Commission reversed course in 2011 and let Flying Dog Brewery sell ale called Raging B----. But the Frederick, Md., brewery still continued to sue commissioners for censorship for keeping the product off shelves until that time.



Federal Judge Robert Jonker in Grand Rapids last week ruled in favor of the commissioners, saying they serve in a judicial function and are immune to a lawsuit. A message seeking comment was left Monday with Flying Dog's attorney.



When the beer was temporarily blocked in 2009, Michigan officials said they could reject labels that are detrimental to the welfare of the public.

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