[Note: as of 1-17-13, the title of the bill request has changed]
It is no secret the MTA has long been at odds with the breweries, largely thanks to Montana's license quota system which fosters turf wars and competition between segments of the industry which should be working together. Still, it was odd to see the MTA propose a bill with such significant consequences given the wild popularity of the Montana craft beer industry.
From casual beer drinkers to barely growers, the response was immediate - and not particularly kind. Yesterday's story was the most shared post out of our three-plus years of work and demonstrated how quickly social media can gather people around a common interest. Stay tuned for continuing coverage of the 63rd Montana Legislature as well as plenty more craft beer news, events, and discussion.
For all our articles pertaining to the 2013 Montana Legislature, click here.
6 comments:
This must be a theme going around in the US recently, as New Hampshire was hit with a proposed bill to increase the tax on a gallon of beer by $0.10, and within a couple days of news coverage, the Governor slapped it down and said she would veto it if it ever came to her. Is it that time of year for each state to take a jab at the beer scene?
Barley growers thank you for the help getting this out. Still would like to know the number of bushels used by MT breweries and the approximate value to be able to use if this comes back from the dead or other issues arise.
Unfortunately, the breweries are not out of the woods on this bill yet. The title has been revised and at least some portion of the MTA would like to see it proceed.
perhaps the brewerys ought step back and reflect a moment.Thier business model of being beer joints and not sample rooms has been noticed.1oo% of produtiun is not a SAMPLE ROOM. Anonymous
Maybe that should have been written into the law back in '99. According to LAW, a sample room is precisely what you see throughout Montana today. Furthermore, dozens of SMALL FAMILIES have invested (everything they own)in brewery equipment and have begun to operate under the LAW, agreed to by the MTA in '99. These SMALL FAMILIES are doing well, but certainly not getting rich, and contributing to the well being of our state along the way. This bill would not only close doors to breweries, it would bankrupt families. If a bar (sorry Tavern) would like to take advantage of the excitement over Montana breweries they simply need to offer a plethora of fresh Montana beer to their customers, make their environs more family friendly...and heck, maybe have a fundraiser once a month for a local non profit just as nearly every sample room does.
The law as written could not be clearer. A "sample" is defined as 48 ounces per person per day. No other limitations apply and there are no limitations on the amount of beer a brewery can sell from its facility. Thus, there is no reason to step back and reflect on anything. In fact, the MTA's previous lobbyist stated in 1999 that the 48 ounce limit was acceptable and would not unduly cause any problem.
Post a Comment