Anheuser-Busch faces fine in Seattle ‘pay-to-play’ probe

SEATTLE – The company that produces Budweiser is facing a $150,000 fine and a three-day suspension after an investigation showed it violated Washington State’s “pay-to-play” rules.

KIRO-TV reports (http://kiro.tv/1U42Hcy ) the Anheuser-Busch is accused of entering into an illegal agreement with two Seattle concert venues. Investigators say the company paid The Showbox and Showbox Sodo an exclusive promotional fee to secure a place for its products at the events and block out competitors.

A spokeswoman for the company, Lisa Derus, said they do not agree with the allegations and have been meeting with the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board to discuss them.

Anheuser-Busch operates 12 brewing companies throughout the U.S.

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Information from: KIRO-TV, htthttp://www.kirotv.com/index.html

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