Pabst Paints Malt Liquor Murals on Philly Buildings

A local nonprofit named SCRUB caught Pabst Brewing creating "guerrilla marketing" ads disguised as decorative murals in Philadelphia, a violation of sign restrictions.

1 minute read

June 27, 2008, 11:00 AM PDT

By Tim Halbur

"In a city famous for murals, some recent paintings on the sides of businesses and abandoned buildings seem to blend with Philadelphia's urban landscape."

"Several business operators said they were paid to have the ads painted on their buildings and were told or assumed that it was legal."

"'I think it's totally silly,' said Jeff Rosenblum, owner of Jay's Pedal Power on Girard Avenue.

Rosenblum said SCRUB should go after big billboards and leave small business operators like himself alone.

Painted on a wall next to his bike shop is a graffiti-style ad for Colt 45. It shows young people dancing in a party setting while they drink the malt liquor. It features the Colt 45 slogan: 'Works Everytime.'

Rosenblum said he reviewed the design beforehand and 'personally did not see anything offensive.'"

FULL STORY: Phila. hopes to flatten Pabst over beer murals

Thursday, June 26, 2008 in The Philadelphia Inquirer

Land Use Pennsylvania Billboards Sign Ordinance

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