Legality

[planetgong0]

Has anybody been on the yahoo group sight where they are talking about all still manufacturers having to supply lists of customers they have sold their stills to? Looks like the government in the US may be trying to crack down on illegal home distilling. Hope it doesn't happen here in the uk!
Planetgong

[chill]

I think they are just checking that the manufactures are in compliance with their documentation. It would be too costly and too unpopular for them to start prosecuting the little guys. IMO.

Chuck

[Phantom]

Plus I read that was picked up from email......

The authorities aren't passed a little scaremongering. It doesn't matter which group it is from the authorities, they'd likely need a warrant or court order to release that level of information.

After all, presuming similar in the US, here its not illegal to own a still, its just illegal to use it with the intention of distilling potable alcohol with the subsequent intention of evading taxation i.e. its the tax evasion thats the offence.........

[chill]

Yes, Phantom, it is the same in the US. Owning a still is legal, that is why these companies are in business. The US requires them to keep detailed records of stills or boilers sold to customers. As long as they are not used to distill potable alcohol they are within the law. The authorities are just checking that records are being kept as required and doing a little tree shaking at the same time. The US is strapped for cash, no way they are going to waste a large amount pursuing people distilling for personal consumption. Now if you have a 200L boiler and are selling it... well that is a different situation.

Chuck

[Superslim007]

The important thing here is that passing that information is against the data protection act, I here you say that won't stop them but if that's the case why aren't they prosecuting the hundreds of thousands of people illegally downloading??

[YHB]

Build your own.

[Almanac]

+ pay cash for any parts you buy

You don't get me I'm part of the union....

AM

[Gaztops]

There are a few members of Home distiller are thinking of smashing up their rigs.

If it's true, it could be quite worrying for the people in the UK whom have bought there stills, what happens in America usually ends up over here.

[lll_0_mike_0_lll]

Just FYI in US it is legal to own a still just not use it for making spirits other then Virgina. Only state I know of atm it is illegal to even own the equipment. Most the other states have there own laws & requirements. So check first. Get a permit if needed. Some states will allow very little quantity for personal use.

[German75]

they don't record sold stills personal information here in Australia.
The only way you can get busted here, if you sell the spirits . Here u need a license to sell. Its all for personal use. I'm sure they'll start cracking s down on it . after the news this week of 3 young lads who died after drinking home made drappa. I'm it wasn't . i read it was a by product of bio diesel.