Special Permits

A special permit allows a nonprofit organization to sell beer and table wine (winery to sell table wine-see table below for specifics) during an event when they normally would not be licensed to sell alcohol.

Qualifying special events include:

  • Rodeos and fairs
  • Fundraiser for a person in need
  • Fundraising races
  • Community events hosted by a nonprofit organization for fundraising

Fees

Special Permit Fees by Permit Type
Permit Type Eligible Organization Fee
Beer and Table Wine Nonprofit organizations $10 per day
Wine Produced by a Licensed Winery Licensed wineries only $10 per day
All-Beverages Fraternal organizations only $20 per day
Beer and Table Wine Sports Season Certain qualified sporting events $1,000 per season

Application Requirements

See 16-4-301, MCA for more details.

Maximum Number of Special Permits Allowed Per Calendar Year
Type of Organization Permits Allowed Per Calendar Year
501(c)(3) Organization 12
501(c)(3) Intercollegiate Athletic Fund-Raising Organization 12
501(c)(4) Civic League or Organization 12
501(c)(6) Chamber of Commerce or Business League 12
Accredited Montana Post Secondary School 12
Charity Organizations to Raise Funds for Persons in Need 12
Licensed Veterans or Fraternal Organization 3
Unlicensed Veterans or Fraternal Organization 12
Licensed Montana Winery 12
Professional Sports Organization (applies to an entire season) 1
Junior Hockey Team (applies to an entire season) 1

Location Requirements

A special permit is issued for a specific area at your event. This is the only area at your event where alcoholic beverages may be sold and consumed for on-premises consumption (no off-premises sales allowed).

The area must be described in the application and may include bleachers or grandstands.


Application Options

You may apply using one of the options below, depending on your organization type:

Your local law enforcement agency must grant permission for your event by signing your application before you submit it to the department.