Archive · 30 Jul 2026
Wisconsin Brewery Faces License Revocation Over Trump‑Death Post
Minocqua Brewing Company, a craft brewery in Wisconsin, is about to lose its license to sell beer.
The state says the brewery broke some rules, but the owner says the rules are minor and that the state is punishing him because of his political views.
He has spent a lot of money on legal fights and wants people to help pay for more court battles.
The brewery has until August 4 to appeal the decision.
The whole thing started after the brewery posted a joke about giving free beer when former President Trump dies.
Minocqua Brewing Company’s alcohol license is set to be revoked by August 4, 2024.
Owner Kirk Bangstad claims the revocation is politically motivated after a January free‑beer‑on‑Trump‑death post.
The state cites multiple regulatory violations, which the brewery says are minor.
Bangstad has spent about $100,000 on prior legal battles and is seeking public support for a court challenge.
The brewery operates taprooms in Minocqua and Madison and must appeal the revocation by the deadline.
- Who
- Kirk Bangstad and Minocqua Brewing Company
- What
- Revocation of the brewery’s alcohol license
- When
- Announced July 26, 2024; revocation by August 4, 2024
- Where
- Wisconsin, with taprooms in Minocqua and Madison
- Why
- Alleged regulatory violations and alleged political retaliation
- Business
- Minocqua Brewing Company
- Owner
- Kirk Bangstad
- License status
- Revocation pending
- Revocation deadline
- August 4, 2024
- Reason cited
- Regulatory violations
- Political claim
- Possible retaliation