No, distilling spirits at home in Washington, D.C. remains illegal under federal law, despite local decriminalization trends. The District’s Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) lacks authority to override U.S. Code prohibitions, leaving residents subject to Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) enforcement. Recent 2026 legislative proposals to legalize home distillation have stalled, maintaining the status quo.
Key Regulations for Making Moonshine at Home in Washington, D.C.
- Federal Prohibition: 26 U.S.C. § 5601 criminalizes unlicensed distillation, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment and $10,000 fines. D.C. courts defer to federal jurisdiction in such cases.
- ABRA’s Limited Role: While ABRA regulates licensed distilleries, it explicitly states home production violates federal law, offering no exemptions for personal use or small batches.
- Equipment Restrictions: Possession of stills or distillation apparatus—even unassembled—triggers ATF scrutiny under 26 U.S.C. § 5602, with seizures documented in recent D.C. raids.
Local advocacy groups, including the D.C. Craft Distillers Guild, continue lobbying for 2026 reforms, but no timeline exists for legalization. Residents risk criminal liability, property forfeiture, and civil penalties for non-compliance.