The other day I came across a NPR blog, “Alabama Bans Wine With Naked Nymph On Label” by Frank James,  and other related articles, which I found on Facebook. Perhaps it was the word “naked” in the title but it captured my attention and continued to hold it as I read. 

The Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board has stopped sales of the Hahn Family Wines’ Cycles Gladiator choice, calling the label ‘immodest.’ Board attorney Bob Martin said the artwork “violated Alabama’s rules against presenting ‘a person posed in an immoral or sensuous manner.’” The wine label actually depicts a vintage advertising poster for Cycles Gladiator bicycles. According to the winery’s web site, the labels are based on a Parisian bicycle ad from the late 19th century.  

Perhaps more humorous than the Alabama (ABC) Board’s prohibition of the wine is the fact that the ban has driven thousands of consumers to the winery’s web site and prompted hundreds of calls asking where the wine can be purchased. Bill Leigon, president of Hahn Family Wines, recently announced the development of store displays that say “Banned in Bama” and “Taste What They Can’t Have in Alabama,” as a direct result of the nationwide interest spurred by the ban. Now that is a smart marketing campaign if I ever heard one.

To another point, there have apparently been no problems in any of the other 49 states where the wine is sold. One must wonder why then is Alabama sticking to such a strict interpretation of rules during this economic downturn? 

It seems like the Alabama (ABC) Board is missing out on a share of “economic stimulus” while helping to increase sales in other states. Perhaps they haven’t been watching the news or reading it, but I have a feeling that they could use the revenues generated from more wine sales.