Note: Drink Company says the bar was closed due to a copyright dispute with Turner Broadcasting and Cartoon Network, which airs the show “Rick and Morty.” Rick and Morty” lovers, unite! Drink Company has decked out their three bars to honor the popular show. The Rick and Morty Pop-Up Bar will be open from Aug. 16 until Oct. 6.
The "Rick and Morty"-themed pop-up bar that opened Thursday has been closed because of copyright issues.
Drink Company, which ran the bar, said Turner Broadcasting and Cartoon Network, which airs the popular sci-fi show, wanted "exorbitant" fees to continue operating.
The bar features decorations and imagery from "Rick and Morty," including wall paintings and hand-sewn plush figures of characters, News4's first look showed.
"Wubba Lubba Dub PUB was designed by fans for fans," a statement from Drink Company read. "We are fans geeking out."
The opening of the bar was delayed for a week as the two parties negotiated. An agreement was reached, but the broadcaster reneged, Drink Company said.
Turner Broadcasting did not immediately return a request for comment.
Employees will be laid off, and Drink Company will have to take a massive financial hit, they said.
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"We are so sorry to all the fans, but we also have learned a valuable lesson: When it comes to free speech and fair use, Turner Broadcasting/Cartoon Network believes that should only be a joke on the show," the statement said.
Drink Company has hosted several other pop-ups in the same space, including the incredibly popular "Game of Thrones" bar.
It's not the first time a pop-up bar has faced copyright trouble. Netflix cheekily asked a "Stranger Things"-themed bar to refrain from extending their run due to copyright concerns.
