Bill > HB86

This bill revises Montana's alcohol distribution laws by creating the Beer and Table Wine Distribution Act, which fundamentally replaces the existing terminology of "wholesalers" with "distributors" and establishes comprehensive new regulations for beer and wine distribution. The bill creates a new distributor's license with a $400 annual fee, requires written agreements between suppliers (breweries, wineries) and distributors that outline specific terms like territory, brand allocation, and termination conditions, and establishes clear rules about financial relationships between distributors, retailers, and manufacturers. Key provisions include mandating that distributors call on at least 75% of retailers in their territory every three weeks, prohibiting suppliers from coercing distributors or fixing resale prices, and creating a framework for resolving disputes through written agreements and potential arbitration. The legislation aims to maintain interbrand competition by ensuring independent distributors can operate with clear rights and obligations, and it includes numerous technical amendments to existing alcohol distribution statutes. The bill repeals several existing sections of law related to wholesalers and replaces them with more comprehensive and detailed regulations, effectively modernizing Montana's approach to alcohol distribution.

Business and Industry

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0201