Consumer Challenges Pabst’s Olympia Beer Source

A consumer has filed a putative class action alleging Pabst Brewing Company LLC’s Olympia beer labels falsely imply the product is brewed from artesian water in Washington despite being brewed in a facility in Los Angeles. Peacock v. Pabst Brewing Co. LLC, No. 18-0568 (E.D. Cal., filed March 15, 2018). The complaint alleges that although Olympia was originally brewed with artesian water in Washington, Pabst shifted production to California after it acquired the company in 1999. The plaintiff further argues that the beer may be brewed using chlorinated municipal water, that the brewery’s water supply has previously been contaminated with industrial solvents and that two Superfund sites are located within three miles of the brewery. According to the complaint, Olympia’s website credits the Washington water for its premium taste. Alleging violations of California consumer-protection statutes, the plaintiff seeks class certification, injunctive relief, corrective advertising, damages and application of the common fund doctrine.