Anheuser-Busch, an arm of multinational conglomerate AB InBev and the company that wants you to call Budweiser "America" this summer, has gotten itself in trouble with The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board for violating "pay-to-play" liquor laws in Seattle.

BeerNet reports that the massive beer company is facing a $150,000 fine and either a three-day suspension or an additional $1000 waiver "for allegedly treating two concert venues in Seattle, Showbox and Showbox Sodo, like tied houses, paying the venues for an exclusive promotional fee for an alleged quid-pro-quo for (wink wink) product exclusivity."

Basically, undercover liquor law enforcement agents following a tip set up a sting at Showbox and found that the venue had an illegal agreement that it would only serve products sold by Anheuser-Busch. An extensive investigation report includes a summary (page 8 of the document) stating that the arrangement led to "undue influence" on Wolfgang Puck Catering, the retail liquor licensed nightclub for both Showbox venues.

These kinds of pay-to-play arrangements aren't necessarily uncommon in the alcohol business, but seem to be coming under increased scrutiny in recent years, partly due to the skyrocketing number of small breweries and the fracturing effect they've had on big companies' monopolies and therefore the industry as a whole. So-called craft beer companies aren't necessarily above these backdoor deals, either, as seen in a high profile case last fall in Boston.

Update, 5/19/16: Anheuser-Busch has released a statement on the matter: "AB does not agree with the allegations in the Notice. AB met with the state recently and will continue to respond to the Board in a timely manner."