Oisin Foster
Montana has a government monopoly on all liquor stores, which are generally open from 10 am to 6 pm, with most closed on Sundays. However, there are some non-state-run liquor stores that are open on Sundays. Beer and wine are available at convenience stores and supermarkets from 8 am to 2 am, and Montana lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow stores to sell beer and wine earlier in the morning.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legal drinking age | 21 |
| Hours for alcohol sales | 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. |
| Sunday alcohol sales | Allowed |
| Alcohol sales locations | Grocery/convenience stores, gas stations, package stores, state-run liquor stores, restaurants, bars, pubs, clubs, and hotels |
| Off-premise alcohol sales | Allowed in grocery/convenience stores, gas stations, package stores, and state-run liquor stores |
| On-premise alcohol sales | Allowed in restaurants, bars, pubs, clubs, and hotels |
| Liquor licenses | Difficult to obtain in most Montana counties |
| Open container law | Prohibits open containers of alcohol in vehicles or public areas that aren't zoned for alcohol consumption |
| DUI laws | Strict penalties, including fines, license suspension, and imprisonment |
| Boating while intoxicated | Prohibited |
What You'll Learn
Montana's drinking laws
The legal drinking age in Montana is 21, and it is illegal for anyone under that age to purchase or publicly possess alcoholic beverages. It is also illegal for anyone to buy, sell, lend, or make fake IDs. While it is legal for minors to drink alcohol provided by a parent or guardian in a private location, it is illegal for them to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) greater than 0.02%.
Montana has specific hours during which alcohol can be sold. Alcohol sales are generally allowed from 8 am to 2 am, seven days a week. Grocery and convenience stores may sell beer and wine during these hours, while restaurants may sell alcohol from 11 am to 11 pm. Breweries may provide samples from 10 am to 8 pm, with a limit of 48 ounces per person. No alcohol retailer is permitted to sell alcohol between 2 am and 8 am.
Montana also has strict laws regarding the sale of alcohol to minors and intoxicated individuals. The state imposes heavy fines and potential jail time for selling alcohol to those under 21 or intoxicated persons. Additionally, it is illegal to have an open container of alcohol in a vehicle or any public area that is not zoned for alcohol consumption.
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Buying beer on Sundays
Montana has a government monopoly on all liquor stores in the state. This means that the state owns them and prohibits any others from operating. These stores are typically open from 10 am to 6 pm, with some open longer, but most are closed on Sundays. However, there are some "agency" liquor stores that are open on Sundays and holidays. These agency stores are franchises that were previously run by the state but were privatized in 1995.
Montana does not have any specific restrictions on Sunday alcohol sales. You can buy beer and wine in any grocery store or gas station on Sundays, and some state-run liquor stores are open on Sundays. Grocery and convenience stores may sell beer and wine from 8:30 am to 2 am on Sundays, while restaurants may sell alcohol from 11 am to 11 pm. Bars are open from 8 am to 2 am daily and can sell alcohol during these hours.
Montana's alcohol laws are designed to protect the public and keep everyone safe. The state has the highest record of alcohol-related deaths in the United States, so it takes mitigating alcohol abuse and fatalities seriously. The open container law, for example, prohibits drivers from having open containers of alcohol in their vehicles or while walking on the street. These containers must be stored in the trunk or a locked glove compartment.
Montana also has strict laws regarding the sale of alcohol to minors. It is illegal for anyone under 21 to purchase alcohol, and any offense is punishable by a monetary fine and other repercussions. It is also illegal to sell alcohol to an intoxicated person or to provide alcohol to minors, except when provided by a parent or guardian in a private location.
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Beer in grocery stores
Beer and wine are available in Montana grocery and convenience stores from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. daily. Some sources state that sales can start from 8:30 a.m.
Montana has a government monopoly on liquor stores, which are generally open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and are closed on Sundays. However, some liquor stores have extended hours beyond the minimum requirements.
Bars with package licenses may also sell distilled spirits, and breweries may provide samples of up to 48 ounces per person from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
It is illegal to sell alcohol to anyone under the age of 21 in Montana, and there are strict penalties for doing so. It is also illegal to sell alcohol to anyone who is intoxicated.
Montana does not have any specific restrictions on Sunday alcohol sales, and alcohol can be purchased on Sundays in grocery stores and some non-state-run liquor stores.
Montana lawmakers have considered a bill to allow grocery and convenience stores to sell beer and wine earlier in the morning, starting at 6:00 a.m. instead of 8:00 a.m. The bill aims to benefit individuals who engage in early morning outdoor activities and those who utilize early shopping hours due to health concerns.
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Beer in gas stations
Montana has a unique set of regulations surrounding the sale and consumption of alcohol. For instance, the state has a government monopoly on liquor stores, meaning that all liquor stores are state-owned and private businesses are prohibited from operating in this capacity. This is a crucial distinction for suppliers, wholesalers, and consumers to be aware of.
Montana also has specific laws regarding the legal drinking age and 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 considered a criminal offence. Interestingly, however, minors are allowed to consume alcohol at private locations, such as closed parties, as long as it is provided by a parent or guardian and does not lead to intoxication.
The state also imposes strict penalties for selling alcohol to minors, with a first offence resulting in a $500 fine and the possibility of up to six months in jail. A second offence carries an even higher fine of $1,000 and the potential for the same jail time. These laws are in place to deter the sale of alcohol to minors and to promote responsible drinking in the state of Montana.
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Beer in Yellowstone
The Yellowstone Beer Company is located in West Yellowstone, in a historic building that was once the town's schoolhouse. The building is called Madison Crossing, and the taproom is located in the old gymnasium. The space has been renovated to include a large seating area, gaming machines, a merchandise section, and an upstairs gaming area with pool tables, shuffleboard, air hockey, and board games. The bar offers a full selection of beers and other drinks, as well as a food menu. The Yellowstone Beer Company is open for lunch and dinner from 1 pm to 10 pm, with a daily happy hour from 3 pm to 6 pm.
The beers on offer at the Yellowstone Beer Company include their own brews, such as the New Zealand Style Pilsner, Hazy IPA, Mexican Chocolate Stout, Red Ale, Hefeweizen, and Juicy Pale Ale. They also have a range of guest beers on tap, including the American IPA from Katabatic Brewing, the Blonde Ale from Outlaw Brewing, and the White Stout from Kettle House Brewing, among others.
In addition to the Yellowstone Beer Company, there is also a Yellowstone Brewing Company located in West Yellowstone. This brewery is housed in a two-story space that opened in early 2023, with a seating capacity of 250. Similar to the Yellowstone Beer Company, the Yellowstone Brewing Company also offers a gaming area, a full bar, and a food menu to pair with their 16 beers on tap.
Both the Yellowstone Beer Company and the Yellowstone Brewing Company are conveniently located near Yellowstone National Park, providing a great option for visitors to the park to enjoy a cold drink and a fun night out.
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Frequently asked questions
Beer can be purchased in Montana from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. seven days a week.
Beer can be purchased at grocery and convenience stores, gas stations, package stores, and state-run liquor stores.
Yes, beer can be purchased on Sundays in Montana. State-run liquor stores are typically closed on Sundays, but some non-state-run liquor stores are open. Beer and wine are also available at grocery stores and gas stations on Sundays.
No, Montana does not have any dry counties or municipalities where the sale of alcohol is prohibited. However, local jurisdictions may have their own regulations regarding the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages.
