Montana brewery restrictions are archaic and largely influenced by the Montana Tavern Association. According to state law, breweries that only hold a domestic brewing license are only permitted to stay open until 8:00pm. Any brewery wishing to remain open past 8:00pm must purchase a full liquor license, which is not attainable for a majority of breweries. Many of the state laws surrounding breweries, some of which have been changed in recent years, are leftover from prohibition. 

The state of Montana has a small population, but has a love for beer and a massive impact from tourism. Craft beer tourism is extremely popular throughout the country and given the number of breweries Montana has, this is applicable here as well. Many tourists expect to enjoy a local beer at brewery past 8:00pm. 

According to former state Rep. David Fern “I realized that while it was still sunny out and people were just coming off their recreation activities in my area, the facility was closed. And it struck me as just being odd being in a tourist destination area where there seems to be lots of activity and sunlight and demand for this facility.” Rep. Fern realized the short hours that breweries are allowed to operate under after a long day of campaigning. 

Allowing breweries to operate one to two hours later in the day would keep more money in the local community and help the Montana craft beer industry thrive.