The Minocqua Brewing Company in Wisconsin has had its operating license revoked by the state's Department of Revenue, a move the owner attributes to a politically motivated decision stemming from a promotion offering free beer on the day Donald Trump dies. The revocation is set to take effect on August 4.
Owner Kirk Bangstad announced the permit revocation earlier this week, stating that he and his legal team believe the action is a retaliatory measure against what he describes as the state's most progressive brewery. Bangstad has launched a legal defense fund to combat the state's decision.
In January, Minocqua Brewing Company posted on Facebook, offering "free beer, all day long, the day he dies," referring to former President Donald Trump. The brewery, known for its politically charged merchandise including beers named after figures like Joe Biden and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, has been vocal in its anti-Trump stance.
This is not the first recent enforcement action against the brewery. Just one month prior, the state seized all of the company's canned beer, alleging illegal transport across state lines from Illinois without proper permits and unpaid taxes. At the time, Bangstad called the reprimand excessive.
The Wisconsin Division of Alcohol Beverages confirmed the revocation of multiple permits and a warehouse permit, stating they are "dedicated to the fair and consistent enforcement of alcohol beverages regulations in Wisconsin." The division emphasized that permit holders must follow all applicable laws and regulations and that appropriate actions are taken when these laws are not followed. They also noted Bangstad's right to appeal the decision, during which he can continue operating the brewery.
The brewery has previously made controversial posts related to political figures. In April, following a shooting incident, the company posted, "Well, we almost got #freebeerday. 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. We’ll never know. Regardless, we stand at the ready to pour free beer the day it happens."
Bangstad has stated that their strong political stance has made selling beer more difficult, leading to boycotts by distributors in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois. However, the company has also reported a spike in sales following media coverage of their controversial promotions and political commentary.
In addition to its beers, Minocqua Brewing Company also sells merchandise such as Trump voodoo dolls and "eff ICE" hoodies, with profits supporting Bangstad's podcast and Substack, which feature weekly political commentary critical of the Trump administration and other political topics.