A US appeals court has ruled that a federal ban on home distilling, dating back to the Reconstruction era of 1868, is unconstitutional. The fifth US circuit court of appeals in New Orleans sided with the Hobby Distillers Association, finding that the ban was an improper use of Congressional taxing power and actually reduced tax revenue by preventing regulated production.
Key points:
- The ruling overturns a long-standing law intended to prevent liquor tax evasion.
- Judge Edith Hollan Jones noted the government's logic could unfairly criminalize other home activities like remote work.
- The decision upholds a previous district court ruling from Texas.
- Advocates describe the win as a victory for individual liberty and limits on federal power.
Key points:
- The ruling overturns a long-standing law intended to prevent liquor tax evasion.
- Judge Edith Hollan Jones noted the government's logic could unfairly criminalize other home activities like remote work.
- The decision upholds a previous district court ruling from Texas.
- Advocates describe the win as a victory for individual liberty and limits on federal power.
