liquor licenses

I won't pretend to be an expert in Montana liquor and gaming laws, but I can see that the current cost of obtaining a liquor license almost ANYWHERE in Montana has reached insane levels. Even available licenses in pretty small, un-touristy towns are highly priced. Why has this been an issue for so long around here?

The bill that would have allowed breweries to serve beer on site until 10 p.m. drew dozens of supporters and detractors to Helena last week. Beer makers and enthusiasts cheered the bill, but tavern owners said it was unfair for breweries to serve alcohol at night without buying liquor or cabaret licenses. Some bar owners in Bozeman have gone as far as to stop selling beer made by Montana Brewers A