State backs away from taproom regulations

Associated Press - August 7, 2008 9:54 AM ET HELENA, Mont. (AP) - The state Revenue Department is backing off a controversial plan to stiffen rules that regulate microbrewery tap rooms. Revenue Director Dan Bucks met Wednesday with members of the Montana State Brewers Association and agreed to table the proposed rule change. Brian Smith is head brewer and general manager of Blackfoot River Brewing in Helena. He says Bucks agreed to begin a negotiated rulemaking process with brewers and other interested parties. The proposed rule would have made it illegal for patrons who buy beer before 8 p.m. to consume it in the tap room after 8 p.m. It drew widespread criticism from brewery owners and craft beer connoisseurs. Many breweries around the state allow customers who buy beer before the 8 p.m. cutoff to stay in the tap room and... [read full story]