House Bill 882 revises Montana's alcohol laws to enhance the operational flexibility of licensed retailers, particularly in resort areas. The bill allows licensed retailers, including those at golf courses, to sell alcoholic beverages in designated additional structures, with a limit of one structure per nine holes, contingent on a $100 fee and department approval. It also permits hotels and resorts to sell alcohol in up to two separate licensed service structures on the same property, as well as in swimming pool areas and ski hills. The bill introduces provisions for on-premises consumption of alcohol not sold at the licensed premises if provided by another authorized licensee within the resort area, while emphasizing the need for adequate control measures to prevent underage service and intoxication.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a framework for resort areas with multiple retail all-beverage licenses to apply for a resort alternate alcoholic beverage storage facility, which can be located within the resort but does not need to be contiguous to the licensed premises. The application fee for this facility is also set at $100, and it must adhere to specific security requirements. The bill clarifies the legality of liquor sales, stating that it is unlawful for any licensee to sell or keep liquor not purchased from an agency liquor store or transferred as permitted, with penalties for violations including fines, imprisonment, and potential license revocation. The bill is scheduled to take effect on June 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 16-3-302, 16-3-311, 16-4-213, 16-6-303
HB0882_1(1): 16-3-302, 16-3-311, 16-4-213, 16-6-303
HB0882_1(2): 16-3-302, 16-3-311, 16-4-213, 16-6-303
HB0882_1(3): 16-3-302, 16-3-311, 16-4-213, 16-6-303
HB0882_1(4): 16-3-302, 16-3-311, 16-4-213, 16-6-303
HB0882_1(5): 16-3-302, 16-3-311, 16-4-213, 16-6-303
HB0882_1(6): 16-3-302, 16-3-311, 16-4-213, 16-6-303
HB0882_1(7): 16-3-302, 16-3-311, 16-4-213, 16-6-303
HB0882_1(8): 16-3-302, 16-3-311, 16-4-213, 16-6-303
HB0882_1: 16-3-302, 16-3-311, 16-4-213, 16-6-303
HB0882_2(1): 16-3-302, 16-3-311, 16-4-213, 16-6-303
HB0882_2(10): 16-3-302, 16-3-311, 16-4-213, 16-6-303
HB0882_2(11): 16-3-302, 16-3-311, 16-4-213, 16-6-303
HB0882_2(2): 16-3-302, 16-3-311, 16-4-213, 16-6-303
HB0882_2(3): 16-3-302, 16-3-311, 16-4-213, 16-6-303
HB0882_2(4): 16-3-302, 16-3-311, 16-4-213, 16-6-303
HB0882_2(5): 16-3-302, 16-3-311, 16-4-213, 16-6-303
HB0882_2(6): 16-3-302, 16-3-311, 16-4-213, 16-6-303
HB0882_2(7): 16-3-302, 16-3-311, 16-4-213, 16-6-303
HB0882_2(8): 16-3-302, 16-3-311, 16-4-213, 16-6-303
HB0882_2(9): 16-3-302, 16-3-311, 16-4-213, 16-6-303
HB0882_2: 16-3-302, 16-3-311, 16-4-213, 16-6-303
HB0882_X(1): 16-3-302, 16-3-311, 16-4-213, 16-6-303
HB0882_X(10): 16-3-302, 16-3-311, 16-4-213, 16-6-303
HB0882_X(11): 16-3-302, 16-3-311, 16-4-213, 16-6-303
HB0882_X(12): 16-3-302, 16-3-311, 16-4-213, 16-6-303
HB0882_X(13): 16-3-302, 16-3-311, 16-4-213, 16-6-303
HB0882_X(14): 16-3-302, 16-3-311, 16-4-213, 16-6-303
HB0882_X(2): 16-3-302, 16-3-311, 16-4-213, 16-6-303
HB0882_X(3): 16-3-302, 16-3-311, 16-4-213, 16-6-303
HB0882_X(4): 16-3-302, 16-3-311, 16-4-213, 16-6-303
HB0882_X(5): 16-3-302, 16-3-311, 16-4-213, 16-6-303
HB0882_X(6): 16-3-302, 16-3-311, 16-4-213, 16-6-303
HB0882_X(7): 16-3-302, 16-3-311, 16-4-213, 16-6-303
HB0882_X(8): 16-3-302, 16-3-311, 16-4-213, 16-6-303
HB0882_X(9): 16-3-302, 16-3-311, 16-4-213, 16-6-303
HB0882_X: 16-3-302, 16-3-311, 16-4-213, 16-6-303