US appeals court declares 158-year-old home distilling ban unconstitutional
Summary
A U.S. appeals court in New Orleans ruled that the 158-year-old federal ban on home distilling is unconstitutional, deeming it an improper use of Congress's taxing power. The decision, siding with the Hobby Distillers Association, suggests such a ban could reduce tax revenue by discouraging distilling and raises questions about federal reach into home activities. DoJ had no immediate comment, and the ruling follows a 2024 district court decision affirming similar concerns about federal authority.