Five Wives vodka sues to be sold in Idaho

SALT LAKE CITY, June 6 (UPI) -- The Utah maker of Five Wives Vodka said it will sue the state of Idaho, which refuses to sell its vodka and calls the label "offensive to women and Mormons."

Jonathan Turley, a lawyer representing Ogden's Own Distillery, sent a letter to the director of the Idaho State Liquor Division, signaling his intent to sue over the refusal to sell the liquor, KSTU-TV, Salt Lake City, reported Wednesday.

"The actions of this agency constitute flagrant violations of the United States Constitution and, as such, exceed the authority given to you as a state official," Turley wrote. "The actions taken by your agency -- as well as the product disparagement in public statements -- have caused obvious injury to my client both within Idaho and nationally."

Idaho liquor division director Jeffrey Anderson said the mid-range price point and the label, which features an 1800s photograph of five women with kittens peeking out of their skirts, led to the decision.

"We didn't believe the product or the bottle differentiated itself adequately for the listing," Anderson said. "In addition to that, we found the label to be in poor taste and offensive to women and Mormons."

Ogden's Own representatives said the label was not inspired by polygamy, KSTU-TV reported.