A Wisconsin brewery is once again facing criticism for its controversial promotions tied to the deaths of political figures. Minocqua Brewing Company announced on Instagram plans for a "half-price beer day" to coincide with the death of Senator Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.
The brewery stated that upon the announcement of McConnell's death, they would offer beer at half price, citing the senator as responsible for "about half of all America’s current problems." The post also referred to McConnell as a "ghost from Kentucky" and criticized Governor Andy Beshear for not calling a special election to fill the Senate seat sooner.
This promotion follows a previous announcement by the brewery offering free beer on "the day" President Donald Trump dies. The brewery has explained the "half-price beer day" by noting McConnell's alleged role in national issues, while its "free beer day" promotion is reserved for "someone more special."
Senator McConnell, 84, has been absent from the Senate for over a month following hospitalization for a fall. Recently, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear called on McConnell to prove his capacity to serve or resign from office, sending a letter to the senator.
The Minocqua Brewing Company, owned by liberal activist Kirk Bangstad, is also currently in a dispute with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue over its permit. State regulators initiated proceedings to revoke the brewery's permit after seizing canned beer that allegedly was transported from Illinois without proper permits and taxes. Bangstad has criticized the proposed action, calling it an excessive response to alleged tax violations.
The revocation was set to take effect on a Tuesday, but a spokesperson for the Wisconsin Department of Revenue stated that the permit would not be revoked pending the outcome of an administrative appeal filed by the brewery.
Bangstad also founded the Minocqua Brewing Company SuperPAC, which aims to remove Republican elected officials accused of perpetuating election lies and downplaying the COVID-19 pandemic.