Montana House Bill HB958

Montana 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/28/23
• Refer: 3/28/23

Caption

Creating county recreation all-beverages licenses

Impact

The legislation will amend existing Montana codes to include provisions for the creation of county recreation districts which require a minimum of 125 contiguous acres and an investment of at least $10 million in developments to qualify. The bill provides for a range of service permits that do not fall under the typical quota restrictions typically associated with alcohol licenses. This flexibility aims to enable a flourishing environment for tourism and recreation-oriented businesses, which could lead to an increase in jobs and local investment.

Summary

House Bill 958 aims to create County Recreation Districts along with associated retail all-beverages service permits. The intent behind this legislation is to encourage the development of recreational areas by allowing for the establishment of districts that can facilitate the sale of alcoholic beverages within defined boundaries. By introducing specific criteria, the bill seeks to create a structured process through which applications for these districts can be evaluated, fostering growth in recreational amenities and potentially boosting local economies.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 958 include concerns over the potential impacts on local governance and community standards. Critics may argue that such permits could lead to over-commercialization of recreational spaces, raising issues about public safety and the social implications of increased alcohol availability. Additionally, the allowances for noncontiguous storage facilities for alcoholic beverages could cause apprehension regarding enforcement and compliance with alcohol regulations, potentially complicating oversight for local authorities.