Philly beer raids are a scary reminder of the power behind state liquor control
After a series of raids at three Philidelphia bars under the same ownership, the dust seems not to want to settle. The raids came after anonymous complaints of the unlawful sale of unregistered brands. As in certain unregistered craft beers, according to this article by BeerNews.org.
What implications does this have for Montana? In reality, not much. Pennsylvania has different liquor controls than Montana has. However, It’s an example of how powerful interests, especially various lobbyists and other groups carry influence that affects the craft beer industry. Alcohol is big money, and for many states, the control of the alcohol business is huge money that has ramifications for many powerful elements like the banking industry.
Here in Montana, the strict controls on the craft brewers continue to inhibit industry because of these nefarious connections. The Montana Tavern Owners Association is a very powerful group, but their power doesn’t just come from within. If I understand it right, the very expensive licenses that are the crux of the issue between craft brewers and tavern owners, are tied to real estate, which is tied to banks, which further convolutes the issue and throws a lot of big muscle behind the Tavern Owners Association.
There is a lot to unpack here, but it brings to light the fact that much will not change in this and other states unless the stakeholders (read craft beer drinkers) participate in the process of reform by starting initiatives to rewrite or do away with the old prohibition-era laws that do nothing but make it difficult to do business and to be able to enjoy craft beer from around the country.
More soon.
Pr0st,
GG
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