MARLEY, BEER DON'T MIX; SUIT PENDING FAMILY SAYS

A battle is brewing between the family of late reggae great Bob Marley and a
Panamanian beer company. The Bob Marley Foundation, which is run by
Marley's family, is considering suing Cervecceria Nacional, which affixed
its logo atop a mural of Marley in Panama City. The company produces De
Primera beer. "We have contacted our attorneys and they are following it,"
said foundation executive Marjorie Scott. Scott said the family
particularly objected to Marley's image being used alongside a liquor
advertisement. Drinking alcohol is against the beliefs of Rastafarians, the
religious group of which Marley was a well-known member. The Marley
Foundation was notified about the mural by a Rastafarian restaurateur living
in Panama City. The man had commissioned his landlord to paint a large
painting of the reggae king outside his restaurant. The landlord painted
not only the mural, but sought sponsorship from De Primera, which agreed to
place its logo atop the picture.

Des Moines Register letters@news.dmreg.com Sunday, August 31, 1997

Checked-by: "Rolf Ernst"