No, making moonshine at home in Maryland is illegal under both federal and state law. Federal statutes prohibit unlicensed distillation, while Maryland’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Unit enforces strict penalties, including fines up to $10,000 and imprisonment. The state’s 2026 compliance framework tightens oversight, requiring permits for all alcohol production, even for personal use.
Key Regulations for Making Moonshine at Home in Maryland
- Federal Prohibition: The U.S. Code (26 U.S.C. § 5601) criminalizes unlicensed distillation, with no exception for personal or hobbyist production. The ATF actively monitors illegal operations, including those in residential areas.
- Maryland State Law: Under Md. Code Ann., Art. 2B, § 12-101, producing distilled spirits without a manufacturer’s license is a misdemeanor. Local jurisdictions, such as Baltimore County, have additional ordinances imposing local fines.
- Permit Requirements: The Maryland Comptroller’s Office, via the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Unit, mandates a Distilled Spirits Manufacturer’s License for any production. Applications undergo rigorous background checks, and denial rates exceed 60% for incomplete submissions.
Violations trigger escalating penalties, including asset forfeiture under Md. Code Ann., Art. 2B, § 12-105. Even small-scale production risks federal prosecution, as demonstrated by recent 2024 cases in Anne Arundel County. Home distillers must comply with excise tax reporting, which applies to all distilled spirits, regardless of quantity.