This bill revises existing alcohol laws in Montana to introduce regulations regarding the self-service of beer and wine. It allows customers to self-pour these beverages under specific conditions, such as when they are provided by an on-premises licensee or their employees. The bill specifies that self-service does not include liquor and outlines that self-pour can occur using electronic or technology-based devices that measure and dispense predetermined volumes of beer or wine, provided these devices are monitored by the licensee or their staff to prevent over-serving. Additionally, the bill amends Section 16-3-311 to clarify the definition of "self-service" and includes provisions for adequate safeguards to control access to alcoholic beverages.

Furthermore, the bill amends Section 30-14-102 to clarify that methods of payment for beer and wine using technology-based devices do not qualify as gift certificates. This change aims to streamline the payment process for self-service alcohol while ensuring compliance with existing regulations. Overall, the bill seeks to modernize alcohol service practices while maintaining necessary oversight and control to prevent underage drinking and over-serving.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 16-3-311
HB0123_1(1): 16-3-311
HB0123_1(2): 16-3-311
HB0123_1(3): 16-3-311
HB0123_1(4): 16-3-311
HB0123_1(5): 16-3-311
HB0123_1(6): 16-3-311
HB0123_1(7): 16-3-311
HB0123_1: 16-3-311
HB0123_2(1): 16-3-311, 30-14-102
HB0123_2(10): 16-3-311
HB0123_2(11): 16-3-311
HB0123_2(12): 16-3-311
HB0123_2(13): 16-3-311
HB0123_2(14): 16-3-311
HB0123_2(15): 16-3-311
HB0123_2(2): 16-3-311, 30-14-102
HB0123_2(3): 16-3-311, 30-14-102
HB0123_2(4): 16-3-311
HB0123_2(5): 16-3-311
HB0123_2(6): 16-3-311
HB0123_2(7): 16-3-311
HB0123_2(8): 16-3-311
HB0123_2(9): 16-3-311
HB0123_2: 16-3-311, 30-14-102
HB0123_X(1): 16-3-311, 30-14-102
HB0123_X(2): 16-3-311, 30-14-102
HB0123_X(3): 16-3-311, 30-14-102
HB0123_X(4): 16-3-311, 30-14-102
HB0123_X(5): 16-3-311, 30-14-102
HB0123_X: 16-3-311, 30-14-102