The owner of Minocqua Brewing Company, a brewery known for its progressive stance, is set to lose its alcohol permit following controversial remarks about former President Donald Trump. Kirk Bangstad, the brewery’s owner and a vocal liberal activist, has described the impending permit revocation as politically motivated retribution for his outspoken views.
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Wisconsin state officials announced on 29 July that Minocqua Brewing Company’s liquor licence will be revoked on 4 August. This decision comes after Bangstad made headlines for pledging to host a ‘Free Beer Day’ for patrons on the day of Trump’s death, an announcement that sparked significant backlash.
Bangstad has consistently used his platform to voice dissent against Trump and other Republican figures. In addition to operating the brewery, he leads a progressive super PAC and sells merchandise labelled “progressive beer,” aimed at supporting Democratic politicians. He argues that his political activism has resulted in unjust targeting by state authorities, particularly in the predominantly conservative Northwoods area of Wisconsin.
In a statement on the brewery’s Substack account, Bangstad expressed frustration regarding the licence revocation, emphasising the brewery’s popularity among liberal customers in the Upper Midwest. “Our brewery is very popular among progressives throughout the Upper Midwest because we actively fight against right-wing authoritarianism and corruption. As a result of our political activism, we’ve been boycotted by beer distributors and major grocery chains,” he explained.
The decision to revoke the permit follows a state raid on the brewery in June, during which officials seized beer, citing allegations that it had been transported across state lines without the required permits. Bangstad responded to the news by calling the situation “laughable,” arguing that Wisconsin, renowned for its craft beer culture, should not be targeting establishments over such minor infractions.
In his defiant stance, Bangstad made it clear he is not prepared to accept the state’s actions passively. “We’re going to fight the state of Wisconsin tooth and nail,” he asserted, vowing to continue serving his progressive clientele. He expressed his determination to remain a fixture in the community, stating, “they’ll have to pry me out of my taprooms before I stop selling beer to thirsty progressives who come to visit us.”
The controversy surrounding Bangstad intensified in April when the FBI interviewed him regarding a social media post that was interpreted as a violent threat towards Trump. This inquiry followed an incident during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, when an armed individual attempted to breach security targeting the former president. Bangstad’s post, referencing the shooting, led to scrutiny from federal investigators.
Following the interview, Bangstad posted the phone number of one of the investigating agents on social media, urging his followers to make contact. This action further raised eyebrows and sparked further discussions about his approach to political discourse.
Earlier in January, Bangstad announced on social media that Minocqua Brewing Company would offer free beers on the day Trump dies, although he did not directly name him. To further promote the brewery’s progressive values, Bangstad has also sold merchandise such as shirts with slogans like “I Wish It Was Free Beer Day At Minocqua Brewing Company” and “Protest is Patriotic.”
The brewery’s foray into progressive merchandise was reportedly prompted by threats of fines from local conservative governance, which objected to a support sign for President Biden that was deemed “too large.” This led to an impressive $100,000 in merchandise sales within a week, and sales have continued to thrive despite, or perhaps partly due to, the controversy.
Bangstad remains steadfast in his belief that the challenges faced by Minocqua Brewing Company are emblematic of a broader anti-progressive sentiment. “Attempting to shut down a brewery that has the largest social media following in the state, and that sells over $2 million worth of beer and merchandise throughout the country, is anti-American and anti-Wisconsin,” he said in his statement, requesting support from his customer base.
Despite the legal challenges ahead, Bangstad insists he has no intention of causing harm to Trump or any government officials, distancing himself from any extremist groups. He emphasised his commitment to peaceful expression of his political beliefs, reinforcing that his actions are rooted in the right to free speech.
As the situation unfolds, the Minocqua Brewing Company remains a focal point in the ongoing dialogue about the intersection of politics and business. With the impending permit revocation set for 4 August, the owner’s next steps will likely shape both his brewery’s future and the political landscape of the region.