This controversy just keeps getting bigger!
A Wisconsin brewery that grabbed national attention after promising free beer when President Donald Trump dies is now about to lose its alcohol permit. According to the information released by Wisconsin state officials and reported by People and others on Thursday, the Minocqua Brewing Company is scheduled to have its license revoked next week, on August 4 — adding another dramatic chapter to an already headline-making feud between the business and the state.
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The brewery is owned by outspoken progressive activist Kirk Bangstad, who has built his brand around liberal politics, Democratic-themed beer and merchandise, and frequent criticism of Trump and other Republicans.
But Bangstad has long argued that his politics have made his business a target in Wisconsin’s conservative Northwoods region. And now, he claims that is what’s going on with the alcohol permit being revoked!
Writing about the issue on the brewery’s Substack, Bangstad defended the company, saying:
“Our brewery is very popular among progressives throughout the Upper Midwest because we actively fight against right-wing authoritarianism and corruption. As a result of our political activism, we’ve been boycotted by beer distributors and major grocery chains.”
BTW, the permit revocation follows a June raid at the brewery, during which state officials reportedly seized beer over allegations that it had been transported across state lines without the required permits.
Responding to that latest development on Substack, Bangstad blasted the state’s actions, writing:
“Wisconsin practically invented the term ‘craft beer,’ yet Wisconsin’s Department of Revenue is trying to shut down the state’s most progressive brewery for violations that can only be described as laughable.”
If you’ve been following this saga, you may remember that the brewery stirred outrage back in January after posting on Facebook that it would serve free beer “all day long, the day he dies,” in an apparent reference to Trump. The company later leaned into the controversy by selling merchandise tied to the promotion and other politically charged slogans.
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The drama didn’t stop there. Earlier this year, FBI agents interviewed Bangstad after a social media post referencing an apparent assassination attempt on Trump drew the attention of federal authorities.
Despite everything, Bangstad says he has NO plans to back down. He declared on Substack:
“We’re going to fight the state of Wisconsin tooth and nail, and once again, they’ll have to pry me out of my taprooms before I stop selling beer to thirsty progressives who come to visit us.”
Okay then!
Whether this fight ends in court or somewhere else, one thing is certain: this battle between the brewing company and Wisconsin officials would seem to be far from over…
[Image via MEGA/WENN]
