Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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1942
Alien-property seizure during World War II
The government seized the brewery after majority owner Fritz von Opel was detained as a potentially dangerous enemy alien and a German employee was accused of transmitting radio messages to Germany. Von Opel's legal challenge was unsuccessful.
1925
Prohibition-era beer raid and seizure
After the brewery allegedly distributed near-beer above the federal alcohol limit, federal agents raided the Lowell plant and confiscated more than 100,000 gallons of full-strength beer. Two owners and a manager were ultimately fined, while other charges were dropped.
Conspiracy allegations involving company managers
John J. Joyce and other Harvard Brewing Company managers were arrested on conspiracy allegations. The charges were later dropped after a witness died.