MontanaHB 54969th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET

Allowing for distillery warehouse receipts

Sponsored By: Kerri Seekins-Crowe (Republican)

Became Law

Alcohol and Drugs

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 4 mixed.

More ways distilleries can operate

Beginning July 1, 2025, a Montana‑licensed distillery may import bulk inputs; bottle, produce, blend, store, transport, and export its liquor; and do operations allowed on bonded premises under federal rules. The distillery may operate across more than one building if it holds the required federal basic permit.

Trade and invest in distillery receipts

Beginning July 1, 2025, licensed distilleries may issue and sell warehouse receipts for liquor stored on their bonded, licensed premises. Holders may resell these receipts to anyone, and distilleries or holders may hire intermediaries to market or manage them. Anyone may buy these receipts, including for liquor issued by federally licensed distilleries outside Montana. Holding a receipt does not give you any ownership or control of the distillery. The department cannot require applications, reports, or other transaction details about these receipts, except for income tax enforcement. The liquor must stay on the licensed premises until it moves in bond or is legally transferred, and you can take delivery only if the law allows it.

Sell to state and file reports

Beginning July 1, 2025, a Montana‑licensed distillery must sell liquor it produces to the department, and the department lists those products. The distillery may use a common carrier to deliver. It must keep records of all sales and shipments and file monthly and other reports on quantities and prices the department requires.

Microdistillery tastings, curbside, and retail

Beginning July 1, 2025, a microdistillery may give up to 2 ounces of prepared liquor per serving by curbside pickup from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. It may allow on‑site drinking during brewery hours. It may sell liquor in original packaging from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m., up to 4.5 liters per person per day, at the department’s minimum retail price. Samples under this rule may be offered at no more than one manufacturing premises per license.

Own both distillery and retail licenses

Beginning July 1, 2025, a distillery owner may fully own up to three retail licenses under 16‑4‑201, and the first retail license must be colocated. To hold both a manufacturing and a retail license, the first license must be on the same premises, ownership must be 100% identical, and the retail side must also serve products from unaffiliated manufacturers. Moving product between a colocated manufacturing and colocated retail license is not treated as distribution or delivery. A person who owns a retail license under 16‑4‑105 may not also own a distillery license.

Run storage depots for spirits

Beginning July 1, 2025, a Montana distillery may get a state license to own, lease, maintain, and operate a storage depot anywhere in the state to receive, handle, store, distribute, and sell spirits. Each depot needs its own storage‑depot license, an annual fee under 16‑4‑501, and must meet suitability rules and pay other required fees and taxes.

Tax standing rules for liquor licenses

Beginning July 1, 2025, new license applicants and any required individuals must be current on all state tax filings, taxes, interest, and penalties. At renewal, the department may not consider your tax status or whether you were an income tax protestor.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Kerri Seekins-Crowe
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Jeremy Trebas
Republican • Senate
Kenneth Bogner
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 272 • No: 21

House vote • 4/11/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 46 • No: 2

House vote • 4/10/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 45 • No: 4

House vote • 3/7/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 90 • No: 9

House vote • 3/5/2025