Overview: Minocqua Brewing Co. faces potential closure as Wisconsin officials revoke alcohol permits for its locations. The Department of Revenue cites transport violations, while the owner alleges political retaliation.
The Full Story
Wisconsin DOR revoked brewing permits for Minocqua and Madison locations after alleging violations involving beer transported from Illinois without required permits and tax payments. Owner Kirk Bangstad disputes the action, alleging officials targeted the brewery due to its political views against President Donald Trump.
The brewery gained headlines for a Facebook post offering free beer if President Trump dies, which was updated to specify the Madison Taproom. Channel 3000 reported that Minocqua Brewing Co. owner Kirk Bangstad said the Madison taproom is likely to shut down by the end of the year as the business continues fighting the state’s decision. Wisconsin DOR states revocation does not take effect until appeals are completed and maintains enforcement of alcohol beverage regulations.
Brand & Industry History
The brewery has a history of pushing progressive politics. Bangstad, who owns the brewery, is also the founder of the Minocqua Brewing Company SuperPAC, which aims to remove Republican federal and state elected officials who perpetuated election lies that caused the Insurrection of January 6, 2021, and whose downplaying of COVID-19 caused unnecessary deaths.
What This Means
The department told Fox News Digital in a statement Thursday that there is a hearing on the company’s appeal on Nov. 18, and that the revocation does not take effect until appeals are done, adding that the “DOR is dedicated to fair and consistent enforcement of alcohol beverage regulations in Wisconsin and takes action when the laws are not followed, as occurred here.”
Consumer Takeaway
The Madison taproom is likely to shut down by end of year pending an appeal hearing scheduled for Nov. 18.
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