Wisconsin Revoked Minocqua Brewing Company Permits

The state alleges the brewery transported beer from Illinois without proper permits or tax payments.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Beer

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing a geometric industrial door frame and a single regulatory seal, evoking government compliance actions. — The Wisconsin Department of Revenue revoked alcohol permits for Minocqua Brewing Company locations, citing unauthorized beer transportation and tax non-compliance. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Wisconsin Department of Revenue has revoked the alcohol permits for Minocqua Brewing Company locations in Minocqua and Madison. The state alleges the company transported beer from Illinois without the required permits and tax payments.

Why it matters

The Department of Revenue stated the action was necessary due to a lack of compliance with alcohol beverage regulations. Brewery owner Kirk Bangstad, however, alleged that the state action targeted the company because of its political views.

The state revoked permits for locations in Minocqua and Madison following allegations of unlicensed interstate beer transport. The permit revocation currently remains inactive while the brewery pursues an appeals process.

The players

Kirk Bangstad

He is the owner of the Minocqua Brewing Company who has stated the company is fighting the state permit revocation.

Donald Trump

He is the current President of the United States.

Wisconsin Department of Revenue

This state agency is responsible for the regulation of alcohol permits and tax compliance in Wisconsin.

Minocqua Brewing Company

This is a brewery with locations in Minocqua and Madison that is currently under investigation for regulatory violations.

The details

The brewery is currently fighting the revocation, which stems from the unauthorized transport of beer across state lines. The company previously drew attention for advertising free beer on the day Donald Trump dies.

January 22, 2026: The brewery posted an offer regarding free beer.
September 21, 2026: The owner announced the potential closure of the Madison taproom.
November 18, 2026: An appeals hearing for the permit revocation is scheduled.
End of 2026: The Madison taproom is expected to shut down.

Culture Shift

This dispute highlights the friction between niche independent craft breweries and state-level regulatory enforcement. It reflects a broader trend where small businesses increasingly navigate the intersection of commercial operations and polarized political activism.

The potential closure of the Madison taproom by the end of 2026 would limit local access to the establishment for residents and visitors. Because the revocation is currently inactive, the business continues to operate while the appeal proceeds.

The takeaway

Business owners in the alcohol industry must ensure rigorous adherence to interstate transport laws to avoid regulatory challenges. The ongoing appeals process serves as a reminder that administrative compliance remains essential for maintaining licensure.