Supreme Court to Review 1868 Law Banning Home Distilling
The Supreme Court has agreed to review a Reconstruction-era federal law from 1868 that bans distilling spirits in private homes, with challengers arguing the prohibition is an antiquated relic.
Clarksburg Weston, WV, October 19, 2026 —
The Supreme Court has agreed to review a federal law enacted in 1868 that bans distilling spirits in private homes. The law dates to the Reconstruction era, and challengers argue that the prohibition is an antiquated relic.
The court’s decision to take up the matter means it will review the law. The information provided does not identify the challengers, describe their specific legal arguments, or say when the court will hear the case or issue a decision.
The summary also does not provide details about the law’s enforcement, the circumstances that led to the challenge, or the outcome sought by those contesting the prohibition. It does not specify whether the case concerns any particular person, household or distilling activity.
For now, the stated dispute centers on a federal restriction dating to 1868 and the challengers’ view that it is outdated. The Supreme Court’s review will address the challenge, but no further information about the proceedings or the court’s eventual ruling was provided.
Story summarized from the original created by MICHAEL KUNZELMAN, Associated Press on www.wboy.com, see more information here.
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