Ravalli Republic--Brewing Controversy
In Montana, breweries with tasting rooms aren't allowed to serve alcoholic beverages past 8pm. A proposed amendment will further restrict breweries and disallow patrons from consuming beers past 8pm. Who is trying to take a beer out of my hand? That's not right!
The text of the amendment can be seen here.
I grew up in a state known for it's variety and quality of beer. And since becoming of legal age, I have enjoyed sampling the variety on my cross country move from birthplace to Montana. It is interesting how some states regulate alcohol. I wish I knew the motivating forces. One such example was the state I went away to college in. I was floored one day when I carried a six pack of the local brew up to the register and the cashier said she couldn't sell it me because it was Sunday. What?! No beer/alcohol sales on Sunday! As a Catholic, I consider that almost sacriligious! I attributed it to an active conservative religious influence in the state government (well founded or not). I'd like to get a handle on the motivating force behind Montana law. I like to think of Montanans as conservative, but practicing a "live-and-let-live" mantra, so I can't figure out why microbreweries are treated different than bars.
So, to those more knowledgable than I about MT law, a few questions:
Why are microbreweries governed by a different set of laws than bars?
Why can't a microbrewery incorporate food service (restaurant style)?
3 comments:
Yeah, that sucks. We were in Red Lodge at a local microbrewer. Not only did they close early, but they only allowed us to have 2 or 3 pints due to the law. It was the coolest place in town to drink too. Some laws just amaze me...
Ya, I don't understand it either.
Hamilton only has a couple of places you can go and have a drink after a long day, be able to hear the conversation with the person across from you, take your kid, and be in a smoke free environment. The Brewery is one. The Exchange (now closed) was another. So few choices.
here's a petition against the amendment...
http://www.PetitionOnline.com/MTTROP/petition.html
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