Pay-to-play piece from Crain's

So yeah, interesting. You know that little "rant" I went on this summer? Well, looks like those of us at Metro weren't the only ones riled up by the whole situation at the Wit.

Crain's has spent the past few months working on an investigative piece about Chicago beer distributors and their penchant for giving shit away for free (in so many words). They talked to us (specifically Tracy at Metropolitan), Two Brothers, Stone, and more.

It's not about whining. It's not about the survival of Metro (we're doing fine thanks to the beer drinkers of Chicagoland). It's about consumer awareness. It's about ethics. And it's about an even playing field. Let the product speak for itself.

The story: Pay-to-play infects Chicago beer market (complete with video)

P.S. They even mention the blog post I wrote calling for a boycott. I think that's pretty rad.

Boycott these beers! Local distributor up to no good!

Now for some bullsh*t: Chicago Beverage Systems (CBS) is a local distributor. And they have been up to no good. We're talking actions that disrupt the free market and take CHOICE away from the beer drinkers of Chicagoland. Pretty dirty tactics, possibly illegal tactics. This is not rare, but some things have surfaced recently and I do not agree.


What's wrong?

• Monetary incentives to "steal" tap handles from other distributors (rumored $200 "reward" to their reps)
• Contracts with local businesses to only serve CBS beers (with the Wit hotel including their rooftop lounge Roof and the ground floor restaurant State & Lake)

This is so bogus and when I'm out at the bar or in the store, I am personally choosing to boycott the CBS brands. Money talks in this business (obviously) and I refuse to support such disgusting business practices.


If you'd like to join me, please take note of the following CBS brands which include Miller-Coors products and several imports: Affligem, Amstel, Bohemia, Corona, Dos Equis, Fosters, Grolsch, Guinness, Hacker-Pschorr, Half Acre (see below), Hamm's, Harp, Harpoon, Heineken, Icehouse, Keystone, Killian's, Labatt, Leinies, Magic Hat, Magners, Mickeys, Modelo, Molson, New Belgium, Newcastle, Pacifico, Paulaner, Peak Organic, Peroni, Pilsner Urquell, Red Stripe, Sam Adams, Sierra Nevada, Smithwicks, Sol, Spaten, St Pauli Girl, Strongbow, Tecate, Woodchuck, etc. (complete list here)

Of course, I will support Half Acre by cutting out the middleman and stopping by their taproom in North Center. 


If you respect the craft beer community and the distributors that DO say no to pay-to-play, I hope you'll help me in spreading the word!

(Note: I am not a rumor-spreader and I don't associate with such people, I would not go to the trouble of posting this had it not been confirmed. Of course, I welcome an open dialogue here too!)