Montana Looking at Changing Brewery Regulations

I heard about his on the Brewing Network Sunday Session. I've seen a lot of ridiculous legislation, especially in this industry, but this is one of the most nonsensically proctectionist proposals of them all. I'd encourage any MT BA to write their state reps. A Change.org petition wouldn't be a bad way of handling it. I thought that was a great way CO got the word around about the absurd proposed Uber ban.

 

Thanks for putting this out, Ryan. Have sent the requisite emails out encouraging friends and family to make some phone calls.

Apparently we have Roger Hagan, R-Great Falls to thank for this garbage. What's really laughable given the nature of bill is this election quote from the GF Tribune, "I am for an economy energized by a hands-off government ..... without cumbersome environmental policies and burdensome business regulations". What a turd.

What the tavern owners don't realize is that these taprooms aren't their competitors. When myself, my parents, or most people that I know go to Blackfoot River/Lewis & Clark, etc. we weren't looking to go drink at the bar. When we leave at the mandatory 8pm, (or 9pm?), seldom does anyone then head to the tavern across the street. Helping a select few brewers in MT as a side effect of protecting the tavern industry is not a valid reason to limit the MT brewing industry as a whole, along with undermining consumer choices. Hopefully sanity prevails here.

 

I believe this is the last ditch effort for the MTA to try and damage the MBA. I do not believe it will pass and I believe I will continue to see smiling faces in every MT brewery/taproon I visit as I travel across this amazing state...the last best place.

 

I didn't need another reason to never drink Big Sky beer again, but if you do....

http://billingsgazette.com/news/sta...cle_f2dee9de-de5d-5122-ac01-8cb4690b03e2.html

 

It's insane Big Sky is in support of this bill, weren't they a small microbrewery once as well? Please read and sign this petition. Montana's microbreweries need your support.

https://www.change.org/petitions/bi...ta-attacks-on-montana-craft-breweries?amp&amp

 

Does anyone from Big Sky or Missoula have anything to add in their defense? On the surface, this looks terrible. If you want to expand your opportunities, by all means do it. Just not at the expense of others. I would think that if Big Sky wanted a new license charging breweries their size $100,000 for a taproom license, they would have no trouble finding a sponsor. Instead, they support tavern owners in blocking perceived competition?

Sadly, this isn't the first time I've seen the one of the senior craft breweries sit idly in regards to helping the little start-ups get laws changed (we didn't have that opportunity, why should they?). This is the first time I've seen one actively work to restrict those following in their footsteps.

 

The wife just shared Ryan's article, the gazette article, and the petition with about 400 friends on facebook..... Many of which are Montanans.

Good luck guys.

 

Thank goodness I have acess to my 1st and 3rd favorite Montana IPAs to drink now that I've boycotted my 2nd. You broke my heart Big Sky.

 

The bill was killed this morning. Thanks to everyone supporting the existing breweries as well as opportunity for new startups. Long live MT taprooms!

 

Just saw this. Congratulations everybody. But don't think the war is won. The MTA will be back next legislative session.