MontanaHB 12369th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET

Revise alcohol laws relating to self-service

Sponsored By: Katie Zolnikov (Republican)

Became Law

Alcohol and Drugs

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Bars can offer self-pour beer and wine

On-premises licensees can let customers pour their own beer and wine after staff first provides it. Self-pour can use pitchers or bottles; liquor is not included for these large containers. Electronic self-pour devices must be approved by the Department of Revenue, have preset pour limits, and be monitored by staff. Payments for these devices are not treated as gift certificates under state law.

Easier rules for adjacent and airport sites

An on-premises retailer may operate next to a brewery or winery with adequate separation, like doors, gates, or windows, locked after hours; full floor-to-ceiling walls are not required. For colocated premises allowed by law, state separation rules in this code do not apply, but you must meet any federal rules. Airport licensees can use part of the terminal as licensed space for on-site drinking if safeguards block access after hours, such as locks, gates, cabinets, tap locks, or key cards.

New layout rules for licensed premises

Licensed retailers must show they control alcohol and prevent self-service, underage sales, and serving intoxicated people. Your interior licensed area must be one continuous space you control; shared halls, stairs, and elevators needed for access can count. You may include patios or decks if safeguards manage service, and natural boundaries can replace extra barriers. You may lease a kitchen or other indoor area to another business without floor-to-ceiling walls or a concession deal, if it does not sell alcohol and uses its own point-of-sale system. If you change your floorplan, send the department a revised plan within 7 days; adding square footage needs prior approval, but cosmetic work and changes required by other agencies do not need preapproval.

Offsite storage and in-room delivery options

You can apply to store alcohol in a noncontiguous area, including kegs and beer lines into the premises, if you show secure after-hours safeguards; the one-time application fee is $100. Hotels and similar lodging can apply to deliver alcohol to guests and prestock rooms, with age checks and safeguards against underage service; the one-time application fee is $100. The department must approve these uses before you start.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Katie Zolnikov
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Jeremy Trebas
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 229 • No: 65

House vote • 4/9/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 26 • No: 22

House vote • 4/8/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 28 • No: 19

House vote • 1/22/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 89 • No: 11

House vote • 1/21/2025