Wisconsin Brewery’s License Revocation

The Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) is set to revoke the permit of Minocqua Brewing Company, as confirmed by owner Kirk Banstad.

In a recent statement, Banstad described various alleged violations that are contributing to this permit revocation, which is scheduled for August 4. These violations reportedly include issues related to the company’s agreements with an Illinois brewery as well as other infractions.

Some local business owners argue that they rectified many of the cited violations, noting that they weren’t given opportunities to bring certain aspects into compliance.

Banstad suggested that the decision to cancel the permit stems more from the company’s progressive views than from standard regulatory enforcement. Minocqua Brewing Company is known for its unique products like Antifa October Fist, Abolish Ice Grapefruit Gose, and Walk Coffee, and it sells T-shirts featuring strong anti-Trump messages, including “IMPEACH CONVICT REMOVE” and “F the DOR.”

The brewery recently attracted significant attention for a social media post offering free beer to Trump if he were to die.

One post from January stated: “Free beer all day long and the day he dies.”

After the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in April, another post commented: “Well, #freebeerday is almost here. Either our brothers or sisters in the resistance need to sharpen their marksmanship, or they fabricate another assassination to get a positive news cycle. We’ll never know.” The post concluded with, “Either way, we’re ready to pour free beer that day.”

The DOR has confirmed that it issued brewing license revocation notices for two breweries and an alcoholic beverage warehouse permit revocation for one of Minocqua’s locations. The deadline for the company to appeal the revocation is August 4.

A spokesperson for the DOR remarked that the Alcoholic Beverage Division is committed to fair and consistent enforcement of Wisconsin’s liquor laws.

“The department must comply with and enforce state law, including ensuring that permit holders and licensees adhere to all applicable laws and regulations. If these laws are not followed, appropriate action will be taken,” the spokesperson noted.