A brewery that promised free beer to patrons when Donald Trump dies has lost its alcohol license. The Minocqua Brewing Company in Wisconsin offered free pints to customers on the day the US President dies, prompting the state's Department of Revenue to revoke its permit.
Owner Vows to Fight Revocation
Kirk Bangstad, owner of what he calls "the state's most progressive brewery," said he will fight the decision "tooth and nail." The brewery has locations in Madison and Minocqua. Bangstad received a letter from state officials dated July 15 notifying him of the revocation and has until August 4 to appeal. He is asking locals to help fund legal fees, stating: "We need all the money we can get to sue the Department of Revenue and stay in business."
Promotion Proven Costly
The brewery's social media post read: "Free beer, all day long the day he dies. Show us this post when it happens in a few months and we’ll make good on that promise." It later clarified the offer applied to the Madison taproom year-round and the Minocqua taproom in summer. After shots were fired while Trump was present at the White House Correspondents' Dinner in April, the brewery posted: "Well, we almost got #freebeerday."
State's Position
Wisconsin officials stated: "The Division of Alcohol Beverages is dedicated to the fair and consistent enforcement of alcohol beverages regulations. The division is required to follow and implement state law... The division takes appropriate actions when these laws are not followed." They confirmed that notices of Brewer's permit revocation were issued for two locations and an Alcohol Beverage Warehouse permit revocation for one location. The business can operate during the appeal process.
Bangstad Claims Political Motivation
Bangstad, a liberal activist who often posts anti-Trump messages, believes the revocation stems from his political views rather than the violations. He said: "Everyone reading this, Democrat or Republican, should recoil at the thought of a small and thriving business being destroyed by their state government over such small violations—especially a brewery in the state of Wisconsin!"
