The proposed bill seeks to modernize the delivery of beer and wine by allowing off-premises retail licensees to engage third-party delivery services through the introduction of a new "third-party delivery license." This license permits these services to deliver beer and table wine sold by off-premises retail licensees, while ensuring that the retail licensee is responsible for the sale to the end consumer. The bill establishes specific requirements for third-party delivery licensees, including age restrictions for drivers, mandatory training programs, and record-keeping obligations. Additionally, it sets licensing fees for these services at $1,000 for both initial and annual renewals and revises the Responsible Alcohol Sales and Service Act to include third-party delivery services.

Moreover, the bill amends several sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to enhance training and compliance requirements for all licensees involved in the sale and delivery of alcoholic beverages. Key changes include the requirement for licensees to certify that they and their employees or independent contractors have completed necessary training, with penalties for false certification. The definition of who must be trained is expanded to include independent contractors, and training must be completed within 60 days of hire and every three years thereafter. A new delivery training program will be certified by the Department, focusing on preventing sales to underage or intoxicated individuals. The bill also outlines a tiered fine structure for non-compliance and grants the Department exclusive authority over the enforcement of mandatory training programs, aiming to enhance accountability in the alcohol delivery framework in Montana.

Statutes affected:
SB0543_1.pdf: 16-4-115
SB0543_2.pdf: 16-4-115
SB0543_3.pdf: 16-4-115
Amended: 16-4-115
Introduced: 16-4-115