Buying Beer In Montana: Grocery Store Rules Explained

Montana has a government monopoly on all liquor stores, meaning it owns them and prohibits any others from operating. Grocery and convenience stores in Montana can sell beer and wine from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., but they cannot sell liquor.

Montana's drinking laws

Minimum Age for Drinking and Purchasing Alcohol

In Montana, the minimum legal drinking age is 21 years old. It is illegal for anyone under 21 to purchase or publicly possess alcoholic beverages. However, it is legal for minors to consume alcohol if it is provided by a parent or guardian and consumed at a private location, such as a closed party. The drinking must not lead to intoxication, and it is illegal for minors to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) greater than 0.02%.

Purchasing Alcohol in Grocery Stores and Gas Stations

Montana has specific regulations regarding the sale of alcohol in grocery stores and gas stations. Grocery stores in Montana can sell beer and table wine with an alcohol content of less than 16% ABV. Gas stations with a convenience store section can also sell beer and wine, but only between the hours of 8:30 am and 2:00 am.

State-Owned Liquor Stores

All liquor stores in Montana are state-owned and have set operating hours. Most stores are open from 10 am to 6 pm, and they are typically closed on Sundays. However, some stores may have extended hours. Liquor can also be purchased at bars with package licenses during their operating hours.

Hours for Alcohol Sales

The sale of alcohol in Montana is generally permitted from 8 am to 2 am, with some variations based on local ordinances. No retailer is allowed to sell alcohol between 2 am and 8 am.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Montana has strict laws against driving under the influence of alcohol. The state defines DUI in terms of BAC levels:

• 0.02% for drivers under 21 years old
• 0.04% for commercial drivers
• 0.08% for all other drivers

Penalties for a first DUI offence include fines ranging from $600 to $1,000, driver's license suspension, and possible imprisonment. Subsequent DUIs carry heavier penalties.

Boating While Intoxicated (BWI)

It is illegal to operate a motorboat, sailboat, water skis, or a surfboard while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This is known as Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) and is strictly prohibited in Montana.

Open Container Laws

Montana has laws prohibiting open containers of alcohol in vehicles or any public area that is not zoned for alcohol consumption. It is important to keep open containers stored in the trunk or a locked compartment when transporting them.

Buying beer in Montana's grocery stores

Montana has some interesting rules when it comes to buying beer and other alcoholic beverages. Here's what you need to know about purchasing beer in the state's grocery stores:

Where to Buy Beer

In Montana, beer can be purchased at grocery and convenience stores, gas stations, package stores, and state-run liquor stores. Grocery stores in Montana are permitted to sell beer, but there are certain restrictions in place.

Hours of Sale

Grocery and convenience stores in Montana are allowed to sell beer from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. daily. However, it's important to note that some local ordinances may have slight variations on these hours. Additionally, Montana does not have any specific restrictions on Sunday beer sales, so you can purchase beer on Sundays as well.

Age Restrictions

Montana has a strict legal drinking age of 21 years old. It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase or publicly possess alcoholic beverages, including beer. Proof of age is often requested at bars, nightclubs, and restaurants, so it is advisable to carry identification when purchasing alcohol.

Type of Beer Allowed

Grocery stores in Montana are only permitted to sell beer with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of less than 16%. This restriction is in place to regulate the sale of higher-strength alcoholic beverages, which are only available through state-run liquor stores or bars with package licenses.

Open Container Laws

It is important to note that Montana has strict open container laws. It is illegal to carry open containers of alcohol in your car or any public area that is not zoned for alcohol consumption. Make sure to keep any open containers of beer in the trunk or a locked compartment when transporting them.

Buying Alcohol for Others

It is illegal to purchase alcohol for anyone under the age of 21 in Montana. This includes attempting to buy alcohol for minors or providing them with alcoholic beverages. The state has strict penalties for furnishing alcohol to minors, including fines and potential jail time.

Buying beer in Montana's gas stations

Availability

Montana has a government monopoly on liquor stores, meaning the state owns all liquor stores and prohibits any other entities from operating them. However, this does not extend to beer and wine sales, which are widely available at various outlets, including gas stations.

Hours of Sale

Montana has specific hours during which beer can be sold at gas stations. Gas stations with a convenience store section can sell beer from 8:00 AM to 2:00 AM, seven days a week. This extended timeframe provides customers with flexibility and convenience when purchasing beer.

Age Restrictions

Montana has strict laws regarding the sale of alcohol to minors. It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase alcohol, and attempting to do so with a fake ID is a criminal offence. Gas station employees are vigilant in checking IDs to ensure that beer is only sold to those of legal drinking age.

Type of Beer

Gas stations in Montana are permitted to sell beer and table wine with an alcohol content of less than 16% ABV. This restriction ensures that only certain types of beer are available for purchase at these outlets.

Other Regulations

Montana has additional regulations regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol. For example, it is illegal to sell alcohol to an intoxicated person, and there are strict penalties for doing so. Additionally, Montana prohibits boating, operating a motorboat, or engaging in similar activities while intoxicated. These laws are in place to promote responsible drinking and ensure public safety.

In summary, buying beer in Montana's gas stations is a convenient option for those of legal drinking age. By understanding the hours of sale, age restrictions, and the types of beer available, you can make informed choices when purchasing beer in the state of Montana. Remember to drink responsibly and follow all local regulations to avoid any legal repercussions.

Montana's alcohol excise tax

Alcohol excise taxes are implemented by every state in the US, and Montana is no exception. Excise taxes are applied on a per-unit basis, typically per gallon for liquids, and are collected from the merchant who sells the alcohol, rather than the end consumer. However, these taxes are usually passed on to the consumer in the form of raised alcohol prices.

Montana has relatively high taxes on alcohol compared to other states. The state imposes excise taxes on wine, beer, and liquor (including most hard alcohols).

Montana Wine Tax

Wine vendors in Montana are responsible for paying a state excise tax of $1.06 per gallon, in addition to Federal excise taxes, for all wine sold. This is separate from the state markup of 40.5% for all liquor other than sacramental wine, which has a 20% markup.

Montana Beer Tax

Beer vendors in the state must pay an excise tax of $0.14 per gallon, on top of Federal excise taxes, for all beer sold.

Montana Liquor Tax

Montana is an "Alcoholic Beverage Control State", where the sale of liquor and spirits is state-controlled. Liquor sales are only permitted in state-owned alcohol stores, also called "ABC Stores". As the state earns revenue directly from selling alcoholic beverages, there is no need to apply an additional excise tax on liquor.

Federal Alcohol Excise Taxes

The price of alcohol sold in Montana also includes Federal alcohol excise taxes, which are collected from the brewer/distiller by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau and are generally passed on to the consumer. Some tax discounts are available to small brewers. Federal excise tax rates vary depending on the type of beverage:

• Beer: $18.00 per 31-gallon barrel, or $0.05 per 12-oz can
• Wine: $1.07 - $3.40 per gallon, or $0.21 - $0.67 per 750ml bottle, depending on alcohol content
• Distilled Spirits: $13.50 per proof-gallon, or $2.14 per 750ml 80-proof bottle

License Tax on Liquor

Montana also collects a license tax on liquor at the time of sale and delivery. The tax is calculated as a percentage of the retail selling price and varies depending on the number of proof gallons of liquor sold by the company nationwide in the preceding calendar year:

• More than 200,000 proof gallons: 10%
• More than 50,000 to 200,000 proof gallons: 8.6%
• 50,000 proof gallons or less: 2%

Montana's alcohol shipping laws

Alcohol laws in Montana apply to both residents and visitors. Here is a summary of the key points regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol in the state:

Age Restrictions

Montana has a minimum drinking age of 21. It is illegal for anyone under 21 to purchase or publicly possess alcoholic beverages. However, it is legal for minors to consume alcohol if it is provided by a parent or guardian and consumed at a private location, such as a closed party, that is not a business selling alcohol. Minors are also allowed to work as servers in venues that sell alcohol for on-site consumption, and anyone over 18 can be a bartender.

Retail Hours and Locations

Montana has a government monopoly on liquor stores, which are typically open from 10 am to 6 pm, with some stores keeping longer hours. Most state-run liquor stores are closed on Sundays. Grocery and convenience stores are allowed to sell beer and wine from 8 am to 2 am, while restaurants can sell alcohol from 11 am to 11 pm. Alcohol cannot be sold between 2 am and 8 am.

Direct-to-Consumer Shipping

Montana does not currently allow direct-to-consumer shipping of alcoholic beverages. However, residents can order alcohol online, and shipments are subject to age verification upon delivery.

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits

Montana has strict laws regarding driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol. The legal BAC limits are:

• 0.02% for drivers under 21
• 0.04% for commercial drivers
• 0.08% for all other drivers

It is also illegal to operate a boat or similar device while intoxicated, with the same BAC limits applying.

Penalties for Violations

The penalties for violating Montana's liquor laws vary depending on the nature and severity of the offense but typically include fines, suspension or revocation of licenses, and potential imprisonment for more serious offenses. For example, the first offense of selling alcohol to a minor carries a fine of $500 and up to six months in jail, while a second offense results in a $1,000 fine and potential incarceration.

Montana has strict laws regulating the sale and consumption of alcohol, and both residents and visitors are responsible for complying with these laws.

Frequently asked questions