SCOTTISH beer chain BrewDog has called time on pro-Trump events advertised in its English pubs.
The Aberdeenshire firm issued an urgent statement after an American "trailer trash brewery" promised free pints to Trump supporters at Brewdog bars.
A press release issued on behalf of the Atlanta company included a drive to "get the UK beered up redneck style", adding: "But there is a hook... you have to be a Trump supporter."
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The statement said Scofflaw was putting "tens of thousands of pounds" behind the bars of six Brewdog outlets in London, Manchester and Leeds for a seven day period.
But as criticism mounted on social media, with shareholders amongst those asking questions, the Aberdeenshire "punk" brewery cancelled all events and said the beer would be sent back.
Founder James Watt said: "The Scofflaw release was announced without our knowledge or consent.
"We are in no way aligned with their position and we will of course be cancelling all the events and sending all of the beer back.
"We care about beer and people. Not hate."
Branding the statement circulated by Scofflaw's public relations team "fake news", Brewdog further commented: "We arranged a series of events with Scofflaw and sourced their beer, then this release appeared without our knowledge or consent.
"We have cancelled the events as a result."
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In a second statement circulated to the media, Frank PR, claimed the original had contained "incorrect information". However, no explanation was given as to how this occurred.
In a further development, Brewdog said it would run a promotion of its own as it continued to combat fall-out from the Republican row.
The company said: "Following Scofflaw's Fake News earlier, we're going to run a very real promotion today - one free beer for anyone who supports LOVE not hate. Simply tell our staff, and enjoy a pint of Punk IPA, or any Headliner on us."
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