MontanaHB 21169th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET

Revise alcohol laws

Sponsored By: Katie Zolnikov (Republican)

Became Law

Alcohol and DrugsRevenue, StateRule Making

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 2 mixed.

Stricter rules for delivery drivers

Beginning January 1, 2026, drivers who deliver alcohol must be 21 or older, work for the licensee, and finish approved training before their first delivery. They must have a valid driver’s license or state ID, have no DUI in the past 7 years, and no felony unless rights are restored. At delivery, drivers must use ID-scanning tech or a department-approved method to confirm the recipient is 21, and must refuse service to anyone who appears intoxicated. Alcohol must ride out of the driver’s reach (in the back or cargo area, or a closed bike compartment). If a delivery fails, the driver returns the alcohol to the seller before the route ends (or as soon as practicable if closed), and the company records the attempt. Drivers cannot be paid only for completed deliveries.

Where and when delivery is allowed

Beginning January 1, 2026, you cannot deliver to other retail alcohol businesses (except licensed lodging guest rooms), college residence halls, or places without a permanent street address. Orders may leave the store only during legal sales hours, and the delivery must finish within one hour after sales must stop. Outer packaging must show it contains alcohol unless the driver packed the order or was told it has alcohol and is 21+ only. Delivery businesses must keep delivery records for 3 years and show them to the department on reasonable notice.

Mandatory alcohol training and penalties

Beginning January 1, 2026, licensees must ensure every worker who sells, serves, or delivers alcohol—and their immediate supervisor—completes approved training within 60 days and renews it every 3 years. Licensees must certify training each year on renewal; false statements can bring penalties under 16-4-406 or false swearing rules. If a routine check finds you out of training compliance, fines are $50 for a first offense, $200 for a second, and $350 for a third within 3 years. The department has exclusive control over training and delivery training, may set rules, and must act on proposed delivery training programs within 30 business days. Third-party delivery companies and their drivers are also subject to existing penalty laws for violations.

New licenses to deliver beer and wine

Beginning January 1, 2026, the law creates a third-party delivery license and an own-delivery endorsement for grocery stores and pharmacies to deliver beer and table wine in original packaging. License holders pay $1,000 to get the license and $1,000 each year to renew. Third-party delivery licensees must carry at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate in liability insurance. If a retailer uses a separately licensed delivery company, the retailer is not liable for that company’s delivery violations under this section.

Who must get a delivery license

Beginning January 1, 2026, businesses that deliver or help deliver alcohol count as licensees under state alcohol rules. A company that only provides software to connect customers and licensed retailers and does not hire or contract drivers does not need a third-party delivery license. Lawful common carriers that ship alcohol also do not need this license.

More ways to order and pick up

Beginning January 1, 2026, off-premises retailers may use phone, websites, or apps to take orders and use licensed third-party delivery services, from stock at their licensed location. License holders may also offer curbside pickup of beer and wine in original packaging from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Katie Zolnikov
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Jeremy Trebas
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 242 • No: 54

House vote • 3/18/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 37 • No: 12

House vote • 3/17/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 37 • No: 12

House vote • 2/3/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 84 • No: 15

House vote • 1/31/2025