And yet
Not that I've ever tried it--I just prefer a glass of good brandy to a bottle of wine--but I have an ex-brother-in-law, (a family dentist), who made his own wine from just about any kind of vegetable matter. From hedgerow fruits and weeds, to discarded pea and bean shells. And any that didn't turn out to be palatable he would distil and use to fortify some of his better creations. And I'm pretty sure that the equipement he used was purchased at the local high street home-brew shop.
Perhaps this is one of those "throw back " laws that is only enforced if it gets to a point where it starts to seriously impact government revenues?
Examine what is said, not who speaks -- Silence betokens consent -- Love the truth but pardon error.
"Science is about questioning the status quo. Questioning authority".
In the absence of evidence, opinion is indistinguishable from prejudice.
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I'm fairly sure Not_a_Number is correct---when my half sister moved to France she celebrated at being able to distill stuff---a portable still comes round her village once a year, and they pay to use it (and then pay tax on the product too I think). They apparently only still allow it in France because it helps to keep ancient orchards going---what better reason to grow fruit??
I guess they're allowed to sell distilling kits 'cos it is legal with a licence, I suppose they can't be prosecuted for that even though you can. Similar to how selling bongs in Camden market (and everywhere else) doesn't make it legal to smoke pot :) and I'd guess you're also right that the police aren't going to bother much until you start having a large scale operation.
Having tried my family's homemade wine though, I can attest that it is possible to get pretty highly concentrated stuff (~20% I think) without distilling. Their stuff is evil enough without letting them loose on a still!! (*feels slightly sick at the memory*)
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Those are my principles. If you don't like them I have others.
-- Groucho Marx
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