A Florida distillery has had multiple requests to promote a “Back the Blue” event through paid advertising on Facebook denied by the social media giant.
Loaded Cannon Distillery, located in Lakewood Ranch in Bradenton, Florida, is preparing to launch a new line of drinks dedicated to various first responder groups.
“We’re launching this Lost Legend series because they are legends, all of them,” Loaded Cannon Distillery marketing and creative director Michelle Russell told FOX & Friends Weekend in an interview on Sunday. “First responders, EMTs, police, firefighters, anybody that wears a badge, and they deserve some recognition.”
The free event will take place at Loaded Cannon Distillery on May 29 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., featuring live music, food trucks and other vendors, and free drink samples from Loaded Cannon, according to the report.
A large share of the event’s proceeds will go to Supporters of Law Enforcement, or SOLE, a non-profit, donation-based organization run by volunteers dedicated to providing support to law enforcement in times of illness, crisis, or injury, according to their website. In addition, about 2% of each of the five bottles’ sales will be given to the respective first responder group being honored, Fox reported.
In order to promote the event, the distillery sent a series of $200 ad requests to Facebook, however each request was denied, according to Russell.
“Your ad may have been rejected if it mentions politicians or sensitive social issues that could influence public opinion, how people vote and may impact the outcome of an election or pending legislation,” Facebook cited as the reason for the rejection.
However, Russell insists there is nothing controversial or political about the event.
“We’re just trying to support our community because during this hard, trying year that everybody has gone through,” Russell said.
The Lost Legend series will be available for purchase outside of Loaded Cannon Distillery’s Tasting Room beginning in June.