10
Loading video...
By Hannah Parry
Associate News Editor
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
A Wisconsin brewery known for its controversial drink promotions tied to the deaths of President Donald Trump and Senator Mitch McConnell remains open as the owner fights a pending alcohol permit revocation.
Minocqua Brewing Company was set to have its license revoked on Tuesday, after state officials moved against the business, citing alleged violations of Wisconsin alcohol regulations. However, the brewery has since launched an appeal challenging the notice of permit revocation, which allows it to remain open for business during the legal process, according to the Wisconsin Division of Alcohol Beverage.
"Today was the day that Wisconsin's Department of Revenue was supposed to shut us down," the brewery wrote in a post announcing that it remained open. "Guess what? We're still alive and Kickin'!"
Read More on News
Owner Kirk Bangstad has argued that the state's action against the brewery was politically motivated, calling it “an absurd act of heavy-handedness" following the company's announcements of promotions offering free beer after Trump's death and half-price beer after McConnell's death.
Bangstad also vowed to “fight tooth and nail” to keep the brewery operating, adding, "they’ll have to pry me out of my taprooms before I stop selling beer to thirsty progressives who come to visit us.”
The Wisconsin Department of Revenue confirmed it 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 move came after officials seized canned beer from the brewery in June over allegations it had been illegally transported from Illinois without securing the proper permits or paying the appropriate taxes, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
"The Wisconsin Division of Alcohol Beverages is dedicated to the fair and consistent enforcement of alcohol beverages regulations in Wisconsin," the department said. "'The division is required to follow and implement state law, including ensuring permit holders and licensees follow all applicable laws and regulations. The division takes appropriate actions when these laws are not followed.”
Bangstad declined to provide further comment when reached by Newsweek.
...
Backlash Over the Controversial Promos
Minocqua Brewing Company said it received a wave of hostile messages and negative reactions after announcing #freebeerday, a promotion offering free beer on the day Trump dies.
Bangstad claimed supporters of Trump flooded the brewery’s social media pages and phone lines with criticism following the announcement.
The brewery has also faced backlash over #halfpricebeerday, a separate promotion tied to the death of McConnell. Critics have questioned whether businesses should celebrate the deaths of political opponents, while supporters of the brewery have defended the promotions as protected political speech.
Bangstad has continued defending the campaigns, arguing that the controversy has increased attention for the brewery and boosted sales of beer and merchandise.
View content
https://www.instagram.com/p/DafkUe-lo8h/?hl=en
Where Is Mitch McConnell Now?
McConnell remains in office but has been largely out of public view following a June hospitalization after a fall. The 84-year-old Kentucky Republican has not returned to the Senate, and his extended absence has fueled questions about his health and whether he is able to continue carrying out his duties.
McConnell's office initially provided few details about his condition, saying only that he was recovering and continuing to work with staff. The lack of public appearances led to growing scrutiny from lawmakers, political observers and critics who questioned why there had not been a more detailed update on his health.
After weeks of limited information, McConnell's office released a statement explaining that he had fallen, was briefly unconscious and had been hospitalized. They said doctors determined he did not suffer a heart attack, stroke, broken bones or a concussion, but that he developed a mild case of pneumonia while receiving treatment.
His office later said McConnell was undergoing rehabilitation and physical therapy and had not yet been medically cleared to resume Senate duties. Officials said his recovery has been affected by mobility issues related to a childhood case of polio.
Mitch McConnell Status: Latest Updates
McConnell has not announced plans to resign and has said he intends to complete his current Senate term, which ends in January. His office has said he remains engaged with staff on Senate and Kentucky matters while he recovers.
The prolonged absence has drawn political attention in Kentucky, particularly because of questions over what would happen if McConnell left office before the end of his term. Kentucky Democratic Governor Andy Beshear has called for greater transparency on McConnell's condition, while the senator's office has maintained that he is recovering and plans to return to his duties.
The lack of regular public appearances has also contributed to speculation online, but McConnell's office and medical officials have said his absence is related to recovery from his fall, pneumonia and mobility challenges rather than a decision to step away from office.
Brewery's License Fight Continues
Bangstad said his attorney contacted the state Department of Revenue regarding the appeal process and that the brewery expects the dispute could take months to resolve.
The brewery has also claimed that increased attention surrounding the controversy has boosted sales of beer and merchandise.
The Department of Revenue said in an earlier statement that the brewery had until Tuesday to appeal and "can operate during the appeal process."
"Should the business decide to appeal, the next step would be to appeal to the Secretary of the Department of Revenue, who will assign the appeal to a Department of Revenue hearing examiner for their recommendations as to proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law.”
Newsweek has reached out to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for further comment.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Edward T. Cummins.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines