West Virginia moonshine still John Bowman demonstrating the workings of his family's moonshine still and explaining the history of moonshining in Coal River, West Virginia. For Bowman and his family, making moonshine was an alternative to entering the mines; it enabled him to stay in high school while helping to support his household. (more) Why Is Making Moonshine Illegal? Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/topic/Why-Is-Making-Moonshine-Illegal Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Sep 8, 2025 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot Making moonshine—a term that can refer to any illicitly distilled liquor—is illegal primarily because of the significant health hazards homemade alcohol poses. Unregulated production environments can introduce dangerous contaminants and faulty distillation techniques may leave methanol, a poisonous alcohol capable of causing blindness or death, in the liquor. Such dangers came to the fore during Prohibition, when the pressure to produce alcohol illicitly and quickly led to the distribution of low-quality moonshine that injured and even killed some consumers. Another reason for the illegality of moonshine is tax evasion. Legal distilleries are required to pay taxes on the alcohol they ...(100 of 190 words)

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