Wisconsin Revokes Permits for Minocqua Brewing Company

The Wisconsin Department of Revenue has issued notices to revoke two brewer's permits and one alcohol beverage warehouse permit for Minocqua Brewing Company, effective August 4, 2026. State officials allege the brewery sold canned beer in Wisconsin that was brewed under contract in Illinois without the required permits or payment of state excise taxes. This follows a June operation where agents seized approximately $25,000 worth of beer.

Brewery owner Kirk Bangstad, a progressive activist, describes the move as an "absurd act of heavy-handedness" and political retaliation. Bangstad has drawn public scrutiny for social media posts promising free beer upon the death of President Donald Trump and celebrating a failed assassination attempt on the president. He argues that the cited regulatory violations are minor and that the state is targeting his liberal views.

The Wisconsin Department of Revenue maintains that the action is a fair and consistent enforcement of state alcohol regulations. Bangstad has launched a legal defense fund and intends to appeal the decision, asserting that he attempted to pay the taxes. Minocqua Brewing Company may continue operating its taprooms in Madison and Minocqua while the appeal process proceeds.