Posted On February 4, 2013
I know most of us enjoy cold session beers over legislative sessions, but the Montana craft beer industry is in trouble!
A bill was recently introduced to limit the amount of beer sold in taprooms to just 10% of yearly production. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Jeff Welborn, dropped the legislation, but our growing Montana beer industry is still in danger. More bad legislation may be on the way and we need you to speak out!
We hear talk about a bill coming that might limit the amount of beer sold in tap rooms to just 40% of yearly production. Existing brewers would be clipped under these severe limitations, and no new brewers would ever build in Montana again. The Montana Tavern Association and some legislators say “let em buy a license, but restrict brewery success with regulation in the meantime.” Nice; the legislature prescribing entrepreneurialism.
There are too many moving parts to be assembled for any of this legislation to benefit the public, the economy, tourism, agriculture, brewers, retailers, distributors, and you. We need industry players to work together on these issues, and give microbrewery-targeting legislation a rest this session. We are committed to doing just that! Tell your legislators to stop this kind of rash and destructive legislation!
Despite the most restrictive laws in the nation, Montana brewers have continued to follow every rule including the 10,000 barrel production limit, 8 PM last call, and a 48 ounce limit per person per day.
Owners take on serious risk to open a brewery. They must make significant investments in brewing equipment, good people, and many local materials. They have to prove their brewing abilities by incubating their beer with a discerning public, distribute their beer to taverns and restaurants, and continually expand the reach of their products.
These risks and investments have been made with the knowledge that the current limiting rules of the market are in place. Changes that affect entry to the market, or to current retail and distribution abilities will cripple this growing industry.
Montana Craft Breweries are part of a $50 million industry with 22 Montana communities participating in the growing economic trend. Our recent report, The Economic Contributions of Craft Brewing in Montana, contains the research that supports these claims!
Montana brewers support the use of Montana grown agricultural products, provide jobs, give back to their communities, and create a fantastic place for community members to gather.
We need to help this amazing industry grow in Montana!
Tell your local legislator that you support craft brewers in Montana and they should too!
Tell them you do not support any legislation that hinders the growth of Montana’s growing craft beer industry!
Please be clear, concise, and polite. We ask you be respectful but urgent in your message to legislators!
Letting your voice be heard has never been so fast, easy, and effective!
Visit the Send a Message to a MT Legislator portal.
- Fill out your name and contact information.
- Select the House Business and Labor Committee and the Senate Business, Labor, and Economic Affairs Committee, or your local legislator to receive your message.
- Sound off in 1250 characters (cannot include * ^ ; & > < / ) .
-or-
Call 444-4800 and dictate your message to a legislator or committee of your choice.