Montana Will Never See These Two Wholesale Stores

Montanans would love to have these stores, but it would be an uphill battle.

Alcohol and Montana

Montana and the alcohol industry have had a tumultuous relationship.

You would think Montana would have relaxed alcohol laws or restrictions because we are a laid-back bunch, but you would be wrong.

Montana is one of the strictest states when it comes to alcohol laws.

Breweries are only allowed to serve three beers a day to customers and have to close at 8 PM.

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Then there are liquor licenses.

Getting a liquor license is the most problematic thing a bar or restaurant can acquire.

Why?

Only a few licenses are given out per city yearly, which can cost millions of dollars.

Why is this a problem?

If you ever want to see either of these stores open in Montana, it won't happen.

Bevmo or Total Wine in Montana?

If you have visited states like Washington, Arizona, or California, you might have seen stores like BevMo or Total Wine.

What are these stores?

These stores are Costco for alcohol.

They are massive buildings filled with wine, liquor, and beer from all over the world.

The best part about these stores is the prices are cheap and affordable.

You can pick up unique and one-of-a-kind liquor, wine, and beer you can't find anywhere else.

So what's the problem?

Montana's liquor laws and distribution rules would severely limit these stores to survive in Big Sky Country.

States like Washington and Arizona have cheap ways for businesses or restaurants to acquire liquor licenses to make it fair for everyone.

Maybe it's time for Montana to realize the liquor laws are a little strict and to loosen them up.

It would help more restaurants and bars open up in areas that need something new.