Action Expected Tomorrow on Montana HB 326 and HB 336 Beer Bills

Rep. Tom Berry, Chair of the Montana House Business and Labor Committee, announced this morning the Committee would take action on House Bill 326 and House Bill 336 tomorrow morning, Wednesday, February 11. The Committee was expected to take action today, but reports indicate Rep. Ryan Lynch requested the delay while amendments are being processed.…

Montana Legislature Begins Debate on Beer Bills

It was standing room only in Room 172 of the Montana State Capital building today for the House of Representatives’ Business and Labor Committee hearing on three beer-related bills. After nearly four hours, only one thing remained clear: the tension and simmering anger that dominated the 2013 session has not dissipated, it has merely shifted…

Three Beer Bills Head To Hearing Friday at Montana Legislature

The Montana House of Representatives’ Business and Labor Committee will take up three beer-related bills this Friday, February 6, at 8:00 a.m. in what will be a very action packed hearing. A fourth alcohol-related bill is also on the schedule. For those wishing to participate in person, the hearing is scheduled to take place in…

“Coalition for Beer Fairness” Forms to Support Pro-Beer Act

With competing beer licensing-related bills headed for a hearing before the Montana House of Representatives’ Business and Labor Committee this Friday, February 6, a new coalition of brewers and industry participants has formed to support an alternative to the Montana Tavern Association/Montana Brewers Association’s license-stacking bill. Calling it the Coalition for Beer Fairness, the group…

Showdown Looms: Competing Beer Bills Headed to Hearing

The House Business and Labor Committee of the Montana Legislature has scheduled HB 326 and HB 336 for hearings on Friday, February 6, at 8:00 a.m. The bills represent different approaches to an issue facing the brewing industry. HB 326, dubbed the “Montana Brewers Act” is supported by a coalition formed between the Montana Tavern…