MADISON, Wisconsin — Kirk Bangstad, owner of Minocqua Brewing Co. said Monday his company's Madison taproom will likely close by year-end after the Wisconsin Department of Revenue revoked alcohol permits for both his Minocqua and Madison locations.
The Department of Revenue alleged the brewery violated state regulations by transporting beer from Illinois without the necessary permits and tax payments. Bangstad disputed the charges, saying state officials are retaliating against the business for its political views.
A hearing on the company's appeal is scheduled for Nov. 18, according to the DOR. The department said permit revocation does not take effect until the appeals process concludes.
The DOR emphasized it enforces alcohol beverage regulations consistently across Wisconsin. "The department takes action when laws are not followed," a DOR statement said.
Minocqua Brewing has drawn attention for aggressive political messaging. In January, the company posted on Facebook suggesting it would offer free beer if President Trump died, writing "Free beer, all day long the day he dies." The post instructed customers to show the message "when it happens in a few months" to claim the offer.
The brewery later clarified the offer applied to its Madison or Minocqua locations. In a subsequent Facebook comment, the company referenced the April shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, where Trump was present, writing "Well, we almost got #freebeerday." The brewery has also run promotions tied to Sen. Mitch McConnell.
