The Montana Brewers Association is here to help our members through the COVID-19 pandemic and corresponding economic crisis. We created this page to provide a collection of valuable information, guidance and resources for Montana breweries and their employees.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides helpful information for businesses, schools, health care professional, organizations and the general public regarding COVID-19 and how to prevent transmission.
Go to the CDC Coronavirus (COVID-19) page for their resources and information on COVID-19.
The CDC recommends practicing good hygiene and taking the following steps to avoid contracting and spreading the disease:
More details on the CDC How to Protect Yourself page.
The Brewers Association has also compiled resources and information specifically relevant to the brewing industry including cleaning and sanitation resources, guidance for businesses and legislative information. See the BA Coronavirus Resource Center for details.
Get the latest information from the Governor’s Coronavirus Task Force including links to relevant information from state agencies.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19.
See MMEC notes from their March 16 Greater Gallatin Valley Manufacturing Partnership call regarding COVID-19 and Flu response by Montana manufacturers.
(updated March 26, 2020) Gov. Bullock issued a stay-at-home order (effective 12:01 a.m. March 28 and running through April 10). The order directs Montanans to stay at home in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19. It provides exceptions for Montanans to leave their homes for health and safety, for necessary supplies and services, for outdoor activities, for certain types of work and to care for others. Breweries are deemed essential under this order. That means breweries may continue brewing operations and may continue to sell beer to the public for carry-out and through home delivery (see “Guidance for Off-Premises Sales” below).
Statewide Closure (until 11:59 p.m. April 10)
The following counties have closure orders affecting area bars, restaurants, breweries and other food and drink establishments.
Gallatin (until 8 a.m. April 17)
Lewis & Clark (until 8 a.m. March 31)
Missoula (until 8 a.m. March 24 – EXPIRED)
Silver Bow (through March 23 – EXPIRED)
Yellowstone (through April 10)
DOR has this COVID-19 page, with information about their recent decision to allow the return of products purchased for events canceled due to COVID-19.
Under current closure orders and the statewide stay-at-home order, breweries may continue to offer packaged beer to-go, including “curbside sales,” and may engage in home delivery. However, taprooms are currently closed to guests to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Breweries may conduct off-premises sales of packaged beer following these rules:
Breweries must follow all applicable laws including the “Responsible Alcohol Sales and Service Act” (MCA 16-4-1001 through 16-4-1009):
See Guidance from DOR for more details.
Low interest loans (3.75% for up to $2 million) are available to affected businesses in Montana. See the SBA Disaster Assistance Loan Application for more details.
MBA Associate Member WIPFli has posted this COVID-19 Resource Center including information on the recent announcement from the Treasury of a 90-day tax payment extension. Now, tax payments up to $1 million for individuals and up to $10 million for corporations can be deferred for 90 days. The $1 million individual limit is intended to cover taxes paid at individual level on pass-through entity income.
The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced emergency rules that:
Brewery staff who have been laid off due to COVID-19 should apply for unemployment benefits online through the Montana Department of Labor and Industry.