The Frederick, Md.-based Flying Dog Brewery has terminated its membership in the Brewers Association in protest of new guidelines meant to cut back on lewd and offensive beer labels, the news site Brewhound reported Wednesday.

BA adopted an advertising code in February urging members to avoid beer labels containing "sexually explicit, lewd or demeaning brand names." The guidelines are not binding but breweries determined to be in violation of the code cannot use certain association logos on their products.

Flying Dog CEO Jim Caruso said his company pulled out of the association June 1 even though it had paid membership dues to 2018.

The advertising code is "anti-free enterprise," he told Brewhound. "It's interfering with their competitors' business. It's thinking for consumers. Americans hate thought police, and they hate censorship."

Flying Dog produces a handful of beers with names that could raise eyebrows, such as "Raging Bitch" and "Doggie Style." However, BA CEO Bob Pease said none of the brewery's labels violates the guidelines.

"Invoking the First Amendment in this instance is misplaced and inaccurate," Pease said in an email to the news site. "The Brewers Association has no intention nor ability to censor any market initiatives by any brewing industry member."

Flying Dog was the association's 32nd largest domestic craft brewer, Newshound reported. http://bit.ly/2ueCB4b

MORE CEO DATELINE

• Medical associations urge new approach to health care reform
• Internet Association blasts ally for criticism of hospital-stricken lawmaker
• ASAE speaks out against resurrected Texas bathroom bill
• Pharmaceutical group challenges North Dakota laws
• PhRMA steps up PR campaign about drug prices