US appeals court declares 158-year-old home distilling ban unconstitutional
4 hours ago
- #Constitutional Law
- #Home Distilling
- #Legal Ruling
- A U.S. appeals court ruled a 158-year-old federal ban on home distilling unconstitutional, deeming it an improper means for Congress to exercise taxing power.
- The ruling favored the Hobby Distillers Association, arguing individuals should be free to distill spirits at home for hobby or personal use.
- The ban, part of a Reconstruction-era law, aimed to prevent liquor tax evasion and imposed penalties including prison time and fines.
- The court reasoned the ban reduced tax revenue by preventing distilling altogether, unlike regulations allowing tax collection, and warned against overextending federal power.
- The decision upheld a 2024 district court ruling and was hailed as a victory for individual liberty, though the government may appeal.