Home distillers rejoice as US Supreme Court considers whether moonshine
Wyoming mechanic and amateur moonshiner Geno Stecks proudly details the modifications he's made at his two-bedroom home to facilitate his hobby of distilling liquor in his own home.
TL;DR
- The US Supreme Court will reconsider a 1868 law that bans private home distillation of spirits.
- Hobby distillers hope the law will be overturned, allowing them to legally produce spirits at home.
- Plaintiffs argue the law is unconstitutional and an overreach of federal power, while the government maintains it's necessary for tax collection.
- Current penalties for home distilling include up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
- Concerns about safety, including risks of explosion, fire, and improper alcohol production, are raised by opponents.
- Some states, like Missouri and New Hampshire, have passed laws allowing limited home distillation for personal consumption.
- The case touches on the balance between state and federal authority in regulating alcohol.
- Legalization could lead to increased consumer sophistication and potential business growth, according to proponents.