Bartending School
PHILIPSBURG, MT 59858

As you will see bartending is more than just memorizing a few drink recipes...

Montana Department of Revenue and Liquor Control

125 N Roberts 3rd Floor
Helena, MT 59604
Phone: 866-859-2254
URL: https://revenue.mt.gov

---

MT Legal Age to Consume: 21
MT Legal Age to Serve: 18
MT Legal Age to Pour: 18

Our course MEETS state alcohol seller/server training requirements. Requirements Training is mandatory for anyone who serves or sells alcohol

Additional Info: Montana's Dram Shop Law is one that allows lawsuits against establishments that serve alcohol to intoxicated patrons who then cause harm. Here's a breakdown of the key points: * **Seller Liability:** Montana Revised Statutes Section 27-1-710 outlines Dram Shop liability in Montana. This law allows lawsuits against businesses that sell or serve alcoholic beverages to people who are: * **Known to be Under 21:** Selling or serving alcohol to someone under the legal drinking age (21 in Montana) is illegal and the establishment can be held liable if the minor gets intoxicated and causes harm. * **Visibly Intoxicated:** The law also applies to situations where a vendor serves alcohol to a person who is visibly intoxicated. This means someone exhibiting clear signs of intoxication such as slurred speech, stumbling, or incoherent behavior. If this person then causes harm due to their intoxication, the vendor could be held liable. * **Additional Factors:** The law also considers other factors besides just visible intoxication, such as: * Whether the vendor forced or coerced the person into drinking. * If the vendor knew or should have known the alcohol would be consumed by someone else (for example, leaving drinks unattended). * **Notice Requirement:** An important aspect of Montana's Dram Shop Law is that the injured person must file a notice of intent to sue the establishment within 180 days of the incident. If they fail to do so, they are generally barred from filing a lawsuit. **Social Host Liability:** * Montana's Dram Shop Law applies primarily to licensed vendors of alcohol. There is no general social host liability for providing alcohol to adults of legal drinking age at private gatherings. However, social hosts could be liable in specific situations, such as knowingly serving alcohol to minors. Here's a table summarizing the key points: | Scenario | Liability under Montana Dram Shop Law | |---|---| | Bar serves alcohol to a visibly intoxicated patron who causes a DUI accident | Potentially Yes | | Restaurant continues serving drinks to a guest who is clearly intoxicated and gets into a fight | Potentially Yes | | Person provides alcohol at a party to a friend who is visibly intoxicated and later drives home and crashes | Not Likely (unless the friend is underage or there were exceptional circumstances) | **Important to Note:** * Dram Shop cases can be complex. The specific circumstances, evidence available (such as receipts or witness statements), and the level of intoxication will all play a role in determining liability. * Meeting the notice requirement within 180 days is crucial. * Consulting with an attorney specializing in personal injury or Dram Shop Law is recommended if you believe you have a case under Montana's Dram Shop Law. They can evaluate your situation and advise you on the legal options. Here are some resources for further information: * Montana Revised Statutes Section 27-1-710: [https://leg.mt.gov/bills/2023/billhtml/SB0107.htm](https://leg.mt.gov/bills/2023/billhtml/SB0107.htm) * Montana's Dram Shop Law: Are Bars Liable for Drunk Driving Injuries?: [https://www.toweandfitzpatrick.com/motor-vehicle-accidents/liquor-dram-shop-liability/](https://www.toweandfitzpatrick.com/motor-vehicle-accidents/liquor-dram-shop-liability/)

---