Judge doesn't see humor in Cheba Hut shop

GREELEY, Colo., April 28 (UPI) -- A Colorado judge says he won't give a liquor license to the Cheba Hut sub shop, saying he doesn't like the use of marijuana humor in its marketing.

Despite no opposition from neighbors and no record of police problems at its location near the University of Northern Colorado campus in Greeley, Judge Robert Frick, the city's lone liquor-license authority, denied owner Scott Jennings a license, The Denver Post reported Tuesday.

"This restaurant is founded upon the principles and theme of the illegal drug marijuana and incorporates other illegal controlled-substance-related themes," Frick said in his ruling, perhaps referring to Cheba Hut's motto, "Welcome to Cheba Hut. The only thing fried is the occasional customer," or its sub menu, which includes such sandwiches as "Magic Mushroom," "Thai Stick" and "Herb."

"It was a completely bogus decision," Jennings told the newspaper, which reported he has gone to District Court to get Frick's decision overturned on free speech grounds.