A Historic Event, but An Opportunity Lost

Posted On February 11, 2013

Join Our Cause

On February 5th, there was a meeting held among members of the alcoholic beverage industry in Montana that I am told has never happened before. The tavern guys, the brewery guys, and the distributor guys (well one gal), sat at a table for the first time ever. Wow! Everyone thought it was a great start to something new, felt that the dialogue was real and respectful, and that everyone’s participation was genuine. There was no fist pounding, no accusations, but a great deal of dialogue and sensibility to each party’s positions.

There were three representatives from each of the Montana Brewers Association, Montana Tavern Association, and the Montana Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association. A good, diverse group representing the majority of adult beverage related industries in Montana.

At the end of the meeting, the majority of the parties were counseling an approach that would entail continuation of these meetings on a monthly basis. All parties agreed on an approach that would develop the details of an agreement on how the brewing industry, tavern industry, and distributors should proceed, with the goal of defining legislation for the 2015 Legislature. Most felt that there has not been the proper dialogue as of yet, and trying anything in the 2013 Legislature would create more issues, not fewer.

Nonetheless, the Montana Tavern Association still intends to sponsor legislation during this session to attack Montana’s small breweries. They are apparently so bent on the position that our businesses are running amok, not paying for licenses, and skirting the system, that they feel that they must carry a bill to limit our abilities, in return for allowing a brewer to purchase a retail license. The entire room was counseling caution and the continuation of these meetings, but two of the three representatives of the MTA indicated that their board already made up its mind to further restrict small breweries. So much for detente, I guess.

So what we are told is that a bill would be coming, in spite of our efforts, that would place some further restrictions on brewers. We heard about 40% of sales can only be on premise, but we don’t know for sure; haven’t seen any language. We do know, we must resist any changes that bring further restrictions to brewers.

The Facts

• Montana brewers already have some of the most severe restrictions in the nation (only 48 ounces per person per day, and only till 8pm).
• Montana brewers represent over 450 jobs in 22 towns across Montana, from Whitefish to Wibaux, and have an economic impact of over $50 million.
• Montana brewers follow the laws and have helped create one of the fastest growing industries in the state.
• Montana brewers brew most of their beer from barley and wheat grown right here in Montana, and malted right here at the malting plant in Great Falls.
• Montana brewers heavily utilize other trade companies in the manufacturing of their beer such as plumbers, electricians, glass companies and many more.
• Montana brewers send their products to taverns, restaurants, hotels and grocers through the state, and some distribute out of state.
• Montanans and tourists love Montana made beer and the choices made by the breweries.
• Further restrictions on Montana brewers will harm this good and responsible industry, and Montana’s economy.

Let Your Voice Be Heard

Representative Roger Hagan (Great Falls) is apparently introducing this bill. Tell Rep. Hagen that this bill will stop entry into this growing market, affect the majority of brewers in the state of Montana today, shut down several breweries, and stop ANY new businesses for starting. This in an anti-jobs, anti-economic development bill, and they should tell the MTA to come to their senses and get back to the table.

Representative Rodger Hagan: [email protected]

Please also contact the members of the House Business and Labor Committee, below. Tell them you are against any bills that place further restrictions on brewers than they already have!