A Labatt Brewery campaign involving Santa and beer not surprisingly sparked controversy in Canada, even though the beer is non-alcoholic.
Labatt has posted ads in Mac’s Convenience Stores across Ontario saying, “Leave one out for Santa. He’s driving.” They show a bottle of Labatt’s Blue de-alcoholized beer.
The Toronto Sun reported one consumer said this sends the wrong message. “Children see that and they think we’d better leave beer for Santa instead of cookies and milk. I have grandchildren and great-granchildren and I don’t approve of it. Maybe I’m an old fuddy-duddy,” she said.
Mothers Against Drinking and Driving said it has no problem with it because it’s alcohol-free beer.
“This is not drinking and driving. It’s a Labatt issue and whatever their philosophy is behind the ad is certainly up to them,” said MADD Canada president Margaret Miller.
We have established the tradition in our home of leaving a beer and some pretzels for Santa on Christmas. I told my kids he gets tired of too many cookies and too much milk.
We leave homebrew and cookies. My Kindergartener and 4th grader both know St. Nick is the Patron Saint of brewers and we celebrate that. The love of beer is not alcohol abuse. This world is WAY to P.C. That’s why it’s so screwed-up!