A top Maryland official is criticizing the recent release of a huge 77-beer pack by Anheuser-Busch, saying it promotes heavy drinking.
The company recently unveiled the 77-pack, which includes a plastic lining to hold ice that will help keep the beer cold.
The pack is only being sold in College Park, Maryland, where the University of Maryland is located.
The 77-pack costs just $30.
‘Promoting Binge Drinking’
Comptroller Peter Franchot, who is responsible for the taxation and regulation of alcohol in Maryland, spoke out against the 77-pack.Franchot said that large companies like Anheuser-Busch have opposed his efforts to promote locally-made craft beers, and called for an investigation into allegations that large companies are paying off some Maryland legislators.
“The big brewers like Budweiser who are selling 77 cans of beer for .39 cents each to college kids, they don’t like craft brewers, unless they own them,” Franchot said.
Anheuser-Busch has not commented on Franchot’s criticism or why it chose College Park to roll out the special 77-pack.
Selling Out
Despite the criticism, the 77-packs were selling quickly soon after being introduced.Best said Natural Light chose College Park because it was one of the first markets for the brand and that it’s remained popular in the area, which is known as a popular party scene.
Another customer, who also chose not to be named, said that the case design attracted people, noting it holds ice on the outside.
“The box is pretty tight and I kind of just drink Natty out of habit,” said another customer. “It’s chug-able.”
“They are just running out of stores,” added yet another. “You would think you were walking into a concert line. I have never seen lines like this anywhere else.”
