Moonshine is illegal because producers do not abide by state or federal laws regarding the licensure, manufacture, sale, and taxation of distilled spirits.
West Virginia code Chapter 60, Article 6, § 60-6-7(1) provides that a person shall not manufacture or sell in West Virginia without a license any alcoholic liquor except as permitted by article 6. Currently, no license or exception exists for the home production of beer in West Virginia.