Naming Blight in North Carolina

Anheuser-Busch and a local beer wholesaler are seeking a deal to name a new performing-arts center in Raleigh, N.C., the Bud Light Amphitheater. City officials said the $300,000 in annual fees for the naming rights would cover most of the facility’s operating expenses, but the city’s Substance Abuse Advisory Commission says the deal would send the wrong message to kids.

The state Alcoholic Beverage Commission would have to OK the deal, which would seem to run afoul of a North Carolina law that prohibits the name of a public venue from including an alcoholic beverage.

Update, 6/4/10: If you are from N.C., email the North Carolina ABC through this Marin Institute action alert.