Yes, purchasing Everclear (190-proof ethanol) is legal in Montana with strict licensing and quantity limits enforced by the Montana Department of Revenue’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Bureau. Retail sales require a Class B liquor license, and buyers must present government-issued ID proving age 21+. Local jurisdictions may impose additional restrictions, particularly in dry counties.
Key Regulations for Purchasing Everclear in Montana
- Proof and Quantity Limits: Everclear exceeding 151 proof is classified as “liquor” under Montana Code Annotated § 16-1-106, limiting retail sales to 1.5 liters per transaction unless licensed for industrial use.
- Licensing Requirements: Only licensed liquor stores, distilleries, or approved wholesalers may sell Everclear; unlicensed vendors face penalties under § 16-4-303.
- Local Ordinances: Counties like Gallatin and Flathead have enacted zoning restrictions, banning sales within 500 feet of schools or places of worship, per MCA § 16-4-311.
Montana’s 2026 compliance updates mandate digital tracking of high-proof ethanol sales via the state’s Alcohol Beverage Control System, requiring real-time inventory reporting for licensed retailers. Non-compliance triggers fines up to $10,000 or license revocation. Consumers transporting Everclear across state lines must adhere to federal DOT regulations, including hazmat labeling for containers over 1 gallon.