The Minocqua Brewing Company in Wisconsin has had its operating license revoked following a controversial social media post offering free beer on the day Donald Trump dies. The state's Department of Revenue plans to revoke the brewery's permit to operate starting August 4.
Owner Kirk Bangstad stated that he and his legal team believe the action is politically motivated, targeting what he described as "the state's most progressive brewery." Bangstad announced on Substack that he intends to fight the revocation and has set up a legal defense fund for donations.
In January, the brewery posted on Facebook, "free beer, all day long, the day he dies," referring to Trump. The post generated significant public reaction, with many commenters deeming the viewpoint unacceptable. The brewery later posted emails from news organizations seeking comment on the promotion.
This is not the first time the brewery has faced state action. Just a month prior to the license revocation, the state seized all of the company's canned beer, alleging illegal transport from Illinois without permits and unpaid taxes. Bangstad called this earlier action excessive at the time.
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" and "required to follow and implement state law." The division also noted that Bangstad has the right to appeal the decision and continue operating the brewery during the appeal process.
Minocqua Brewing Company is known for its political stances, selling beers named after figures like Joe Biden and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and merchandise such as Trump voodoo dolls. Bangstad's "Up North Podcast" also features weekly political commentary often critical of the Trump administration. In April, following a shooting at the Washington Hilton, the brewery 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."