Today, Southeastern Legal Foundation filed an amicus brief in support of John Ream’s lawsuit asserting his right to distill spirits in the comfort of his own home. The federal government has attempted to ban and institute fines for all those who wish to engage in this hobby, citing the congressional taxing power. However, this overreach does not fulfill the taxing power’s requirements, making it a clear violation of Americans’ constitutional rights and the original intent of the Founders.

SLF is proud to stand alongside those attempting to fight back against unconstitutional bans to safeguard Americans’ freedoms, such as protecting simple hobbies like home distilling and other activities. No American should fear retribution for engaging in a harmless hobby, and this lawsuit aims to guarantee that fear never takes root.

Vice President of Legal Initiatives for SLF Cece O’Leary said, “This ban is in clear violation of congressional authority under the Constitution and therefore violates the constitutional rights of all Americans. If Americans are choosing to engage in home distilling as a hobby they should not be banned and fined up to $10,000. We must fight to protect these overreaches made by the government and stand true to the intentions of the Founders and our Constitution.”