How is moonshiners allowed on tv

For example, if you consider the point that many people make about camera crews filming this illegal activity, they are well within their legal rights to film anything that they choose to without persecution from the law. You can liken it to Sean Penn sneaking into Mexico to meet with one of the most wanted fugitives in the world, El Chapo. He was able to put together a rather impressive interview with the man, but when he returned to the United States, many suspected that he would be facing criminal charges.

The truth remains that he could have filmed the entire interview and not doing anything wrong. As the camera crew with the Moonshiners is not helping them to actively evade police or to create the moonshine, they are merely documenting it. Also, these alleged crimes would have happened several months prior by the time they ever reach the air, meaning that evidence beyond this reality show is likely to no longer exist.

Tate also never appeared on the show again. Wonder why? In the same press release where they claimed to be misled about the nature of the show, Virginia authorities slammed Discovery for airing a false, misleading show.

After viewers kept asking why the state was allowing a crime to take place, Virginia said that the show was not actually portraying illegal moonshine, but was actually just a dramatization. Cast members of the show continue to say the opposite, though.

Tim learned that quickly once viewers realized what he did during the day. Most people think of firemen as upstanding members of society, so some viewers had issues with Tim going from one on-the-level job to operating something that was potentially harmful.

Viewers who have been with the show since the first season probably remember the occasional clip of Popcorn Sutton. Sutton was one of the most famous moonshiners, so famous, in fact, that he even had a few documentaries made about him. One of them won an Emmy. Sutton was lucky enough to mostly evade the law for decades, until he told an undercover officer that he had over nine hundred gallons of illegal moonshine that he was ready to sell.

He was charged with illegally distilling spirits shocker and possession of a handgun as a felon. Sutton pled guilty and was sentenced to eighteen months in prison the following January. As long-time viewers of the show know, Tim no longer has to hide his moonshining. He is now proudly able to sell his moonshine legally, which he helps will aid him in his effort to preserve the traditions and culture surrounding moonshine.

As Tim was starting up his distillery, rumors flew that the Virginia ABC almost denied him a license to produce moonshine legally. Stephen Tickle, a fan favorite on the show, also admitted that he considered going into politics -- long before Donald Trump ever threw his hat into the ring for president. Back in , Tickle said in an interview with a local paper that he was considering running for a state office in southern Virginia.

He realized that the show was giving him a larger platform and wanted to use that to make a positive change. When it comes to depicting real crimes, reality show producers have to walk a fine line. Under US law, witnesses to a crime aren't actually obligated to stop it from happening. However, if a show deliberately puts people at risk, then it could be liable to legal action. One man settled out of court after he was hit in the face with a shoe during a fight on The Real Housewives of New Jersey.

His lawyer claimed that the fight was staged, and that the producers should have taken precautions to ensure bystanders weren't maimed by flying stilettos. Big Brother also had to settle a lawsuit after accepting a housemate with a history of assault, who proceeded to threaten another contestant at knifepoint.

Because the stars of Moonshiners are paid to appear on the show, the producers would almost certainly be liable if anyone was injured from drinking illegal alcohol produced for the show.

Since sheer insurance costs haven't shut down production, it seems likely that no actual moonshine is being sold on the Discovery Channel's dime. Although it's illegal to distill spirits in the US without state and federal permits , it's not like those permits are impossible to get. With the publicity from the show, it would be super-easy for the show's stars to secure backing and go legit.

Which is exactly what cast member Tim Smith did , partnering with the Prost Beverage Company to market "Climax" brand moonshine in stores nationwide. In other words, even if the show does feature real moonshining, it's not because the cast members are desperate criminals with no other options. They're just deliberately choosing not to get the correct permits for the sake of the show.

Hopefully, more reality shows embrace this model, since Extreme Makeover: Home Edition would definitely be more interesting if all the work was done at night, with no planning permission. The show does feature unquestionably real footage of moonshine being produced by legendary bootlegger "Popcorn" Sutton. Yes, cameras are capturing moonshiners, but it's not as illegal as you think.

Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control spokeswoman Kathleen Shaw responded to concern from residents about the illegal production of alcohol, and reassured everyone that the state has the situation under control by hinting the show is not as authentic as it seems.

Also, it is totally possible for the cast to obtain permits to manufacture their product — like star Tim Smith did.

He now sells his "Climax" brand moonshine in stores nationwide. If you ask Tim and Steven Ray Tickle from the series, it's all about not getting caught. They also explained why moonshine is illegal, and it's has nothing to do with the alcohol level.