Legality in Canada? Criminal record or just a fine?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed May 04, 2005 1:18 pm

I've read the Wiki, but I read the "legislation" thread in History and Folklore and watched the video in one of the posts.

Does anyone know whether it's a criminal offense or just an "excise act" thing that carries a fine, as it appears to be in the video? Does it go on your record? I don't intend to do anything more than produce for my own consumption and share with friends, but...

I can't have anything on my criminal record at all because I'm in the Navy Reserves and hope to go into active service soon, and they are supposed to look down pretty hard on anyone with a record.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu May 05, 2005 2:46 am

I've read the Wiki, but I read the "legislation" thread in History and Folklore and watched the video in one of the posts.

Does anyone know whether it's a criminal offense or just an "excise act" thing that carries a fine, as it appears to be in the video? Does it go on your record? I don't intend to do anything more than produce for my own consumption and share with friends, but...

I can't have anything on my criminal record at all because I'm in the Navy Reserves and hope to go into active service soon, and they are supposed to look down pretty hard on anyone with a record.

If you are going to distill in your home, and are not intending to sell it off and only give it to trusted friends, then you should have no problems.

Just don't do anything stupid like bring the still anywhere, except in your private home.

It's an indictable offense to sell you stuff(punishment; <10,000 fine, <12Months in jail, or both + pay back double the amount of excise duty).. Couldn't find anything about distilling in general in the canadian government pages but I am sure its in there somewhere.

Read the Excise Act (http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/e-14/52513.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow) Has alot of information there

Bottom line, keep it to yourself and close friends your alright.

v0rtexx · Post by **v0rtexx** » Thu May 05, 2005 2:48 am

Woops, forgot to log in

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu May 05, 2005 11:04 am

According to the page on the Excise Act, it's still an indictable offence to possess a still, fermented wash for distilling purposes, homemade alcohol itself, etc etc. Pretty much anything to do with moonshining at all.

I assume this is the offence they turn a blind eye to unless you are selling or they decide to make an example of you?

canadianmoonshiner · Post by **canadianmoonshiner** » Fri Jul 21, 2006 12:13 am

The maximum fine in Canada is $500. Not since 1999 has it been a criminal code offense, only excice act. With free publicity & the right financial backing anyone could turn a bust into a boom. Search for Bob Sebert, CBC The National.

Keep it between friends & know what you are doing. Change your labels often & wear gloves when bottling.

There used to be a topic called "Canadian Moonshiers Unite". I can't find it... was it deleted?