Montana Beer Laws: When Can You Buy Alcohol?

Montana has a government monopoly on all liquor stores in the state, setting the hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with most closed on Sundays. However, retailers can sell beer and wine from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily, and some state-run liquor stores are open on Sundays. This means that the time you can buy beer in Montana varies depending on the day of the week and the type of store.

Beer can be bought at bars in Montana from 8 am to 2 am

Montana has a government monopoly on all liquor stores, which are open from 10 am to 6 pm, although some may have longer opening hours. Most are closed on Sundays.

Beer and wine are available at grocery stores and gas stations from 8:30 am to 2 am. However, these stores are not permitted to sell liquor.

Montana has relatively lenient alcohol laws compared to other states. For example, it is one of the few states that does not have Sunday restrictions on buying alcohol. However, it is important to note that the state has strict laws against drinking and driving, with open containers of alcohol prohibited in vehicles and any public area that isn't zoned for alcohol consumption.

Grocery stores can sell beer from 8:30 am to 2 am

In Montana, grocery stores can sell beer from 8:30 am to 2 am. This applies to both independent and chain grocery stores, such as Walmart, Target, and CVS. However, it's important to note that these stores usually do not sell beer on Sundays.

Montana has specific laws regulating the sale of alcohol, and these hours are set by the state. While the sale of beer is allowed during these times, grocery stores are prohibited from selling liquor or delivering alcohol. Additionally, beer can only be sold if it is below a certain alcohol percentage.

Montana also has state-controlled liquor stores, which typically operate from 10 am to 6 pm, and most are closed on Sundays. These stores are the only places in the state where liquor for off-premise consumption can be purchased.

It's worth noting that Montana allows its counties and localities to enforce stricter alcohol laws or even become completely dry through public votes. For example, the Crow Indian Reserve and the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation are fully dry, banning all alcohol sales and consumption.

Montana's alcohol laws also include strict drinking and driving regulations, with open container laws prohibiting drivers from having open containers of alcohol in their vehicles or while walking on the street. The state also has laws prohibiting boating while intoxicated, with specific blood alcohol content limits for different types of drivers.

Liquor stores are state-controlled and open from 10 am to 6 pm

In Montana, liquor stores are state-controlled and open from 10 am to 6 pm, though some may have longer opening hours. Most are closed on Sundays. These stores are the only place you'll find liquor for off-premise consumption.

Montana has a government monopoly on all liquor stores in the state, meaning it owns them and prohibits any others from operating. This is an important piece of information for suppliers, wholesalers, and consumers.

Montana's liquor stores have minimum hours of 10 am to 6 pm, but individual stores may be open longer. Some are open on Sundays, but most are closed.

Bars with package licenses may also sell distilled spirits (liquor) during their operating hours. Beer and wine are available at convenience stores and supermarkets from 8:30 am to 2 am.

Montana's drinking laws are relatively lenient compared to other states. Beer is available in most places, and bars and restaurants are permitted to sell alcohol daily. However, liquor is restricted to liquor stores only.

Montana is a control state, but only for distilled spirits. The state does not control the sale of beer and table wine. All wholesale distribution is managed at the state level.

Montana has two dry areas: the Crow Indian Reserve and the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation

In Montana, beer and wine can be purchased at grocery and convenience stores from 8 AM to 2 AM, and at state-run liquor stores from 10 AM to 8 PM, though most are closed on Sundays. However, Montana has two dry areas: the Crow Indian Reserve and the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation.

Montana has a government monopoly on liquor stores, and it prohibits the operation of any other liquor stores in the state. The state's monopoly stores are typically open from 10 AM to 6 PM, with some stores having extended hours, but most are closed on Sundays. On the other hand, bars with package licenses are allowed to sell distilled spirits during their operating hours.

Montana's laws regarding alcohol sales and consumption apply to both residents and visitors. It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase alcohol, and any violation is punishable by a monetary fine and other consequences. Additionally, it is prohibited to sell alcohol to an intoxicated person.

Minors can drink alcohol at private locations if provided by a parent or guardian

In Montana, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase or publicly possess alcoholic beverages. However, there is an exception to this rule: minors can drink alcohol at a private location without breaking the law if it is provided by a parent or guardian. This means that underage drinking is permitted in private settings, such as at home or a private party, as long as the alcohol is supplied by the minor's parent or legal guardian.

It is important to note that this exception only applies to a "non-intoxicating quantity" of alcohol. In Montana, "intoxicating quantity" is legally defined as a quantity "sufficient to produce... a blood, breath, or urine alcohol concentration in excess of 0.05... or substantial or visible mental or physical impairment." This is equivalent to less than half a beer on average. Therefore, while minors can drink alcohol in private locations if provided by a parent or guardian, it is illegal for them to become intoxicated.

Additionally, minors under the age of 21 are prohibited from possessing or consuming alcohol in public places, even with parental consent. It is also illegal for them to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) greater than 0.02%, and they can face legal consequences such as fines, driver's license suspension, and community service if they are found to be driving under the influence.

Montana's laws regarding underage drinking aim to strike a balance between parental discretion and public safety. By allowing minors to drink in private settings under parental supervision, the state recognizes the role of parents in teaching responsible alcohol consumption. At the same time, the restrictions on public possession and consumption, as well as the strict penalties for driving under the influence, reflect the state's commitment to preventing underage drinking-related incidents and promoting the well-being of minors.

Frequently asked questions