Litigation Update: Ream v. U.S. Department of Treasury - Is Home-Distilling Commerce?

John Ream, an engineer and owner of Trek Brewing Company which creates craft beers in Newark, Ohio, is suing the U.S. Department of Treasury over the regulations that prohibit distilling spirits and hard alcohols at home. Mr. Ream asserts that he would like to pursue the hobby of distilling spirits at home for his personal use but cannot because of federal legislation. The federal law, passed under the Commerce Clause of the Constitution, makes it a felony punishable by $10,000 in fines and five years in prison, to distill hard alcohol, even for personal use. Mr. Ream, represented by The Buckeye Institute, alleges that this prohibition is unconstitutional and exceeds the powers granted Congress by the Commerce Clause, since it seeks to regulate non-commercial activity.

The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, early in 2024, and is currently making its way through the litigation process.

Join us for a litigation update on Ream v. U.S. Department of Treasury featuring Robert Alt, lead attorney at The Buckeye Institute representing Mr. Ream.

Featuring:

• Robert Alt, President and CEO, The Buckeye Institute
• (Moderator) Andrew Grossman, Partner, BakerHostetler LLP

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