Kirk Bangstad, the owner of Wisconsin-based Minocqua Brewing Company, has said he will 'fight tooth and nail' after the state moved to revoke his brewery's licence to operate, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported. Bangstad, who promised free beer if US President Donald Trump died, called the state's action an absurd act of heavy-handedness.
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The Wisconsin Department of Revenue has issued notices revoking brewer's permits for two Minocqua Brewing Company locations and an Alcohol Beverage Warehouse permit for one of its facilities. The revocation is due to take effect on Tuesday. Bangstad can continue operating if he files an appeal before then.
The dispute began in June, when state officials seized all canned beer from the brewery. Authorities alleged the beer had been transported from Illinois without the required permits and without paying the appropriate taxes.
Bangstad shared news of the revocation in a newsletter sent to supporters on July 26 and later posted a screenshot of the state's notice. He said he would continue fighting the decision and accused the state of imposing a punishment that was far too severe for the alleged violations.
Bangstad to challange decision
The Wisconsin Department of Revenue confirmed on July 27 that it had issued notices revoking the brewery's permits. A department spokesperson said Bangstad has until August 4 to appeal. If he does so, the brewery will be allowed to continue operating while the appeal is under review.
"The division is required to follow and implement state law, including ensuring permit holders and licensees follow all applicable laws and regulations. The division takes appropriate actions when these laws are not followed," a spokesperson of Department of Revenue's Division of Alcohol Beverages, said.
Bangstad argues that the alleged tax-related violations does not justify shutting down his business. "They will have to pry me out of my taprooms before I stop selling beer to thirsty progressives who come to visit us," he writes in the newsletter.
Brewery known for political activism
Minocqua Brewing Company has become widely known not only for its beer but also for its political activism. Bangstad has built a large social media following through his liberal activism and has often clashed publicly with local officials. The brewery sells politically themed beers including 'Bernie Brew', 'Tammy Shandy' and 'AOC IPA'.
Earlier this year, Bangstad tried to run for Wisconsin governor but failed to qualify for the ballot after submitting too few valid signatures. Federal Election Commission records also show that he later filed to close his super PAC.
Bangstad was also interviewed by the FBI and the US Secret Service in April after making controversial comments on the brewery's Facebook page following a shooting at the White House Correspondents' dinner.
The post read, "Well, we almost got free beer day. 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." The comments were widely criticised and led to interviews with federal authorities.
