Wisconsin Brewery Loses Alcohol Permit After Owner’s Controversial Comments and Legal Battles

Updated: July 29, 2026, 8:54 p.m. ET
Location: Minocqua, Wisconsin
Business: Minocqua Brewing Company
Owner: Kirk Bangstad

What Happened? (The Short Version)

A Wisconsin brewery owned by an outspoken political activist is losing its license to sell alcohol starting August 4, 2026. The state says the brewery broke rules about transporting and taxing beer. The owner, Kirk Bangstad, calls it political retaliation and promises to fight it in court.

Timeline of Events

Who Is Kirk Bangstad?

• Owner of Minocqua Brewing Company
• Describes his business as "the state’s most progressive brewery"
• Known for mixing politics with beer – frequently criticizes Trump and Republicans
• Previously promised free beer if Trump dies (his "#freebeerday" slogan)
• Active in legal challenges – even tried to keep Trump off Wisconsin’s ballot

Why Is the State Revoking the Permit?

IMPORTANT POINT
The official reason has nothing to do with politics. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue says:

• Beer was transported from Illinois into Wisconsin without proper permits
• Required taxes weren’t paid on that beer
• This happened during a June 2026 raid where agents seized canned products

The state says:

"We are dedicated to fair and consistent enforcement of alcohol regulations… required to follow state law."

Bangstad’s Response: "We’re Going to Fight"

Bangstad denies wrongdoing and calls the revocation:

• "Heavy-handed"
• Politically motivated
• Part of a years-long feud with state regulators

His exact words (July 26):

"We’re going to fight the state of Wisconsin tooth and nail… they’ll have to pry me out of my taprooms before I stop selling beer to thirsty progressives."

He’s asking supporters to donate to a legal defense fund.

The FBI Interview: What Happened?

Back in May 2026, FBI agents questioned Bangstad about a Facebook post from his brewery’s account:

"Well, we almost got #freebeerday. 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."

This was posted after a man named Cole Allen allegedly:

• Tried to force through a security checkpoint
• Fired a shotgun outside the ballroom where Trump and Cabinet members were gathering

During the FBI interview:

• Agents asked if Bangstad or anyone he knew planned harm against Trump or VP JD Vance
• Asked if he supported violent groups
• Bangstad and his attorney said NO to all – no plans, no wishes for harm, no support for violence

The Bigger Picture: Years of Conflict

This isn’t the first rodeo. Bangstad has been battling state regulators for years:

• Courtrooms – multiple legal challenges
• Government offices – permit disputes, inspections
• Public arena – using his brewery as a political platform
• Social media – constant criticism of Republicans

The permit fight is just the latest chapter in a long story.

What Happens Next? (Step by Step)

1. August 4, 2026 – Permit officially revoked; brewery cannot legally sell alcohol
2. Bangstad files lawsuit – challenges revocation in court (he says "immediately")
3. Court hears arguments – both sides present evidence
4. Judge decides – could:
   • Uphold revocation (brewery stays dry)
   • Pause revocation (brewery sells beer while case continues)
   • Overturn revocation (brewery keeps permit)
5. Possible appeals – loser can take it to higher courts

Key Takeaways (Callout Box)

REMEMBER THESE 5 THINGS

1. Official reason: Transport/tax violations, not political speech
2. FBI interview: Happened months before permit revocation – separate issue
3. Bangstad’s claim: Says it’s political payback for his activism
4. Legal fight coming: Owner will sue, asks public for money
5. Deadline is real: August 4 – no permit = no legal beer sales

Summary

Minocqua Brewing Company in Wisconsin is losing its alcohol license on August 4, 2026. The state says the brewery broke beer transport and tax laws (caught during a June raid). Owner Kirk Bangstad – a loud progressive activist who once promised free beer if Trump died – says it’s political revenge. He was also questioned by the FBI in May over a controversial Facebook post about an assassination attempt on Trump. Bangstad denies all wrongdoing, calls the state "heavy-handed," and vows to sue. The case highlights tensions between government regulation and political expression in small business.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Q1: Can the brewery still operate while fighting in court?

A: Not legally. Once the permit is revoked (August 4), selling alcohol is illegal unless a judge pauses (stays) the revocation. Bangstad’s lawyers will likely ask for this immediately.

Q2: Did the FBI investigation cause the permit loss?

A: No direct link. The FBI interview (May) was about a social media post. The permit revocation (July) cites transport/tax violations found in a June raid. They’re separate government actions by different agencies.

Q3: What was the "free beer" promise all about?

A: Bangstad used "#freebeerday" as a slogan – promising free beer if Trump died. It was political satire/protest, not a literal business plan. The FBI took his April post about "almost getting #freebeerday" seriously enough to investigate.

Q4: Has Bangstad won any previous fights with the state?

A: The article says disputes have played out "in courtrooms, government offices and the public arena for years" but doesn’t specify wins/losses. This permit revocation appears to be a major escalation.

Q5: What happens to the beer already in the taproom?

A: Without a permit, it cannot be sold legally. Bangstad might have to destroy it, return it, or hold it until/unless a court restores the permit. The June raid already seized canned beer from Illinois.

Source: USA TODAY Network reporting by Fernando Cervantes Jr. and Molly Beck (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Related Coverage: FBI Interview Details | June Beer Seizure | Bangstad’s Newsletter