The Wisconsin Department of Revenue has revoked the alcohol permits of Minocqua Brewing Company for two locations and an alcohol beverage warehouse.
The revocation takes effect on August 4, 2026.
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The brewer, owned by Kirk Bangstad, allegedly transported canned beer from Illinois without proper permits and failed to pay required taxes.
The state's Division of Alcohol Beverages initiated the revocation process.
The company can continue operating during the appeal period until the August deadline.
Bangstad, a liberal activist and founder of the brewery, has vowed to contest the revocation vigorously. He issued a call for financial support to cover mounting legal expenses.
"As you can imagine, I'm not taking this lying down," Bangstad wrote in a Substack post.
He pledged to fight the state "tooth and nail" and maintain sales to his customers.
Bangstad also explained the financial burden of legal battles. "Every time this [happens], I rack up $100K in legal bills before we even see a judge.
If you can help chip in to the Minocqua Company's legal defense fund, I'd really appreciate it," he added.
The Wisconsin Department of Revenue emphasized its role in enforcing alcohol regulations fairly and consistently.
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A spokesperson said the agency must ensure all permit holders comply with applicable laws and takes appropriate action when violations occur.
"We can confirm that the Department of Revenue has issued notice of a Brewer's permit revocation for two Minocqua Brewing Company locations and notice of an Alcohol Beverage Warehouse permit revocation for one location," the spokesperson stated.
