What Actually Happens if You Get Caught Distilling?

What actually happens if you get caught distilling alcohol at home? Federal law prohibits producing distilled spirits at home for beverage purposes—but does that mean federal agents are actively searching neighborhoods for hobby distillers? And if someone does come to the attention of law enforcement, what happens next? In this video, we separate the law from the myths and discuss how home distilling laws are generally enforced in the real world. This video is provided for educational purposes only. The Hobby Distillers Association does not encourage anyone to violate federal or state law, and enforcement can and does occur. No one should interpret this video as suggesting that home distilling is "safe" from enforcement or prosecution. We cover: • What federal law actually says about home distilling • Whether authorities actively look for home distillers • What can bring unwanted attention to your activities • What may happen when authorities become involved • Why the distinction between legality and enforcement matters The Hobby Distillers Association works to support the hobby distilling community through education, advocacy, and responsible efforts to change outdated laws affecting hobby distillers. We believe the law should be changed through the courts and the legislative process so that responsible adults may legally distill spirits at home, just as they have legally brewed beer and made wine for decades. If you believe adult Americans should have the same right to responsibly distill spirits at home that they already have to brew beer and make wine, consider joining the Hobby Distillers Association. Learn more and become a member: https://hobbydistillersassociation.com/ Subscribe for home distilling education, legal updates, advocacy news, and developments in the fight to legalize home distilling. 0:00 What Actually Happens If You Get Caught? 0:46 What Federal Law Actually Says 1:14 Are Authorities Looking for Home Distillers? 1:46 What Can Draw Attention to You? 3:56 Why is Distilling Still Illegal? 4:31 What Could Actually Happen? 5:28 Help Change the Law #HomeDistilling #HobbyDistilling #Distilling #HobbyDistillersAssociation