What's Happening?
Empire Bites LLC, owned by Catrina Lofgren, has applied to transfer a Montana Retail On-Premises Consumption Restaurant Beer and Wine with Catering Endorsement License to its location at 2111 S 11th Ave,
Bozeman, Gallatin County. The public has the opportunity to protest this transfer. Protests can be submitted by residents of Gallatin County, adjoining Montana counties, and adjoining counties in other states if they meet specific criteria outlined in the Montana Code Annotated (MCA). Protest letters must include the protestor's full name, address, the license number, the applicant's name, and a description of the protest grounds. Valid protest grounds include concerns about the applicant's ability to comply with the law, the location's ability to be policed, and potential adverse effects on local welfare. Protests must be postmarked to the Department of Revenue by January 26, 2026.
Why It's Important?
The transfer of this license is significant as it involves community input on local business operations, reflecting the balance between business interests and community welfare. The ability for residents to protest ensures that local voices are considered in decisions that may impact public safety and community standards. This process highlights the regulatory framework governing alcohol licenses in Montana, which aims to ensure that establishments operate responsibly and do not negatively impact their surroundings. The outcome of this protest could set a precedent for future license transfers and community involvement in business operations.
What's Next?
If the transfer is protested, a public hearing will be scheduled in either Helena or Bozeman, depending on the number and grounds of the protests. Protesters will be notified of the hearing details, and their testimony will be limited to the grounds stated in their protest letters. The Department of Revenue will make a decision on the license transfer based on the hearing's outcome. This process ensures that the concerns of the community are addressed before a final decision is made.
