A Wisconsin brewery whose owner once promised to give away free beer if President Donald Trump dies is expected to lose its alcohol license, state officials confirmed to USA TODAY on July 29.
Minocqua Brewing Company, owned by outspoken progressive activist Kirk Bunstad, will have its alcohol license revoked on Aug. 4, according to the state Department of Revenue.
The move follows a June raid in which state authorities seized Bangstad beer cans after they were shipped from Illinois to Wisconsin without paying the required permits and taxes, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, part of the USA TODAY Network.
“The Wisconsin Department of Alcoholic Beverages is dedicated to fair and consistent enforcement of alcoholic beverage regulations in Wisconsin,” the department said in a statement. “The department is required to comply with and enforce state law, including ensuring that permit holders and licensees comply with all applicable laws and regulations.”
Brewery owner vows legal battle
Banstad, who describes Minocqua Brewing Company as “the most progressive brewery in the state,” slammed the state’s decision in a newsletter and asked supporters to donate to a legal defense fund.
“We’re going to fight Wisconsin tooth and nail, and once again, Wisconsin is going to have to pry me out of the bar before I can stop selling beer to the thirsty progressives that come to visit us,” Banstad wrote on July 26.
He called the revocation “high-handed” and said he planned to appeal the decision.
FBI interview spurs controversy
The revocation comes about three months after FBI agents questioned Bangstad over social media posts that appeared to refer to the alleged assassination attempt on President Trump after the April 25 White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
Authorities said Cole Allen tried to force his way through a security checkpoint and fired a shotgun outside a banquet hall where President Trump and his Cabinet members were gathering.
In a Facebook post from the brewery’s account, Banstad wrote: “Well, it’s almost #freebeerday. Your brothers or sisters in the Resistance need to sharpen their marksmanship, or he faked another assassination to get a positive news cycle.”
A video later posted by Bangstad showed FBI agents questioning him and his attorney about the comments, including whether he or anyone he knew had any intent to harm President Trump or Vice President J.D. Vance, or whether they supported groups with that purpose.
Mr. Bunstad and his lawyers told agents that they had no plans or desire to harm Mr. Trump or Mr. Vance, nor did they support any group advocating violence against them.
long-term conflict
Mr. Bunstad frequently made headlines for blending his political activities with his brewery business, often using his platform to criticize Mr. Trump and other Republicans. The fight over the permit is the latest chapter in a long-running dispute with state regulators that has played out in courts, government offices and public forums.
As state officials move forward with revoking the brewery’s permit as the Aug. 4 deadline approaches, Banstad said he plans to challenge the revocation in court.
Contributor: Molly Beck, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, part of the USA TODAY Network
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact us at fernando.cervantes@usatodayco.com and follow us at X @fern_cerv_.
