The Wisconsin Department of Revenue has revoked the operating permit for the Minocqua Brewing Company, a state known for its anti-Donald Trump social media campaigns, including a promotion offering free beer on the day of the former president's death. The permit revocation is slated to go into effect on August 4.
Kirk Bangstad, the owner of the liberal activist brewery, stated he intends to contest the decision vigorously. "We’re going to fight the state of Wisconsin tooth and nail," Bangstad wrote in a newsletter to supporters, also appealing for donations to a legal defense fund to cover anticipated legal expenses.
According to a spokesperson for the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, the division is committed to enforcing alcohol beverage regulations fairly and consistently, ensuring permit holders comply with all applicable laws. The department confirmed that notices of revocation for brewer's permits at two Minocqua Brewing Company locations and an alcohol beverage warehouse permit at one location have been issued. The business has the option to appeal the decision to the Secretary of the Department of Revenue, and operations can continue during the appeal process.
The state regulators initiated the process to revoke Bangstad's license after seizing canned beer from the company in June. Authorities alleged the beer had been transported from Illinois without the necessary permits and taxes. Bangstad has criticized the proposed action as an overreaction, arguing that the alleged tax violations do not justify shutting down his business.
The brewery previously drew attention in January for a Facebook post stating, "Free beer, all day long the day he dies." The post was later updated to specify which taproom would honor the offer depending on the season, and in response to comments, the company suggested that accelerating the timeline was up to the actions of a "cia [sic] agent."
Following a shooting incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in April, where Trump was present, the brewery posted, "Well, we almost got #freebeerday." The post continued, "Either a brother or sister in the Resistance needs to work on their marksmanship or he faked another assassination to get a positive news cycle."
Bangstad also founded the Minocqua Brewing Company SuperPAC, which aims to oppose Republican officials who he claims perpetuated election lies and downplayed the severity of COVID-19.