Wisconsin Dept of Revenue revokes Minocqua Brewing permit

The Wisconsin Department of Revenue has revoked the operating permit for the Minocqua Brewing Company, a move the brewery's owner is vowing to fight. The revocation, effective August 4, 2026, follows state enforcement actions against the business for alleged regulatory violations.

According to state officials, the department issued notices to revoke the brewer's permit for two of the company's locations in Minocqua and Madison, as well as an Alcohol Beverage Warehouse permit for a third location. A department spokesperson stated the action was taken to ensure compliance with state alcohol beverage laws and regulations, emphasizing a commitment to fair and consistent enforcement. The business has until August 4 to appeal the decision and may continue operating during that process.

The enforcement stems from an incident in June when state officials seized all canned beer from the brewery. Authorities alleged the beer had been transported from Illinois into Wisconsin without the required permits and without payment of applicable taxes.

Kirk Bangstad, the brewery's owner and a liberal activist, confirmed receiving the revocation letter and has pledged to contest it. In a newsletter...