Time Change: Daylight Saving Time
How hours of operation change twice yearly due to daylight saving time.
Daylight saving time (DST) in most of the United States starts on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November.
The Rule
Under ARM 42.13.110, the time change occurs at 2:00 a.m.:
- In the fall, the establishment must close at 2:00 a.m. and then set the clock back to 1:00 a.m.
- In the spring, the establishment must close at 2:00 a.m. and then set the clock forward to 3:00 a.m.
Spring Forward
People sometimes say “spring forward” to remember it as the day clocks move ahead one hour. When you spring forward, set the clocks forward one hour at 2:00 a.m.
This is business as usual: close at 2:00 a.m., set the clock forward to 3:00 a.m., and open at your regular time the next day.
Fall Back
In the fall, you must remember to set your clocks back one hour. Once the clocks have been set back, the sale of alcohol may not occur.
On-premises locations
On-premises locations must close at 2:00 a.m. and then set their clocks back one hour. They may not reopen and continue to sell alcohol for that extra hour.
Off-premises locations
Off-premises locations do not need to close but must stop the sale of alcohol at 2:00 a.m., and then set their clocks back one hour. They may continue all other sales except alcohol.
Questions?
Contact DORCARDEducation@mt.gov.
Legal References
All licensees must comply with all federal and Montana alcoholic beverage laws and rules. See ARM 42.13.110.
October 2025. Information in department communications may have been modified, superseded, or made obsolete by changes in federal or state law or the Administrative Rules of Montana. To verify the current validity of any Department of Revenue communication, please contact DORCARDEducation@mt.gov.
