Montana Alternative Delivery Arrangement Form

The Montana Alternative Delivery Arrangement form (Version V1 2/2020) is a specialized request document submitted to the Department of Revenue’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Division. It is designed for situations where a standard alcohol delivery from a wholesaler to a retailer is physically impossible or impractical due to specific constraints—specifically, when a wholesaler’s trucks cannot access the retailer’s licensed premises. This form allows both parties (the wholesaler and the retailer) to propose a unique, temporary solution, such as using a secondary drop-off point or a smaller vehicle for the final leg of the journey. However, this is not a loophole for convenience; it requires strict justification and adherence to state laws. The form serves as a legal petition to the state, outlining exactly why standard delivery fails and how the proposed alternative will remain secure, compliant, and strictly for storage—not for selling drinks. Approval is mandatory before any such arrangement can begin, ensuring that the chain of custody for controlled beverages remains unbroken.

How To File This Form

This is a joint application, meaning both the wholesaler/distributor and the retailer must sign it.

1. Mail: Send the completed, signed form and any attachments to:
   Department of Revenue
   Alcoholic Beverage Control Division
   PO Box 1712
   Helena, MT 59604-1712
2. Fax: You can also fax the document to (406) 444-0722.
3. Contact: If you have questions during the process, you can call (406) 444-6900.

How To Complete Montana Alternative Delivery Arrangement Form

Section 1 – Wholesaler/Distributor Information
This section must be filled out by the entity supplying the alcohol.

• Entity Name: Enter the legal name of the wholesaler or distributor.
• Doing Business As: If the company operates under a trade name, write it here.
• License Number: Enter the specific Montana alcohol license number in the format provided (e.g., 12-345678-1234-123).
• Contact Name: Provide the name of the person responsible for this request.
• Daytime Telephone: Enter a phone number where this contact person can be reached during business hours.

Section 2 – Retailer Information
This section identifies the business receiving the alcohol.

• Entity Name: Enter the legal name of the retail licensee (bar, restaurant, store, etc.).
• Doing Business As: Write the trade name (DBA) of the establishment.
• License Number: Enter the retailer’s state alcohol license number.
• Contact Name: Provide the name of the retailer’s point of contact.
• Daytime Telephone: Enter the retailer’s business phone number.

Section 3 – Alternative Delivery Arrangement Justification

• Description: In this text box, you must explain why the standard delivery method fails. Specifically, describe the physical limitations that prevent the wholesaler’s trucks and equipment from reaching the retailer’s door. Be specific (e.g., “Road is too narrow for delivery truck,” “Bridge weight limit exceeded,” “Seasonal snow closure blocks access”).

Section 4 – Proposed Alternative Delivery Arrangement

• Proposal Details: Describe exactly how you plan to get the alcohol to the retailer.
• Temporary Storage (If Applicable): If the plan involves dropping the alcohol at a temporary location before it goes to the retailer, you must provide:
  • The exact address of this temporary spot.
  • The name of the owner of that property.
  • The duration (how long) the alcohol will sit there.
• Proof of Control: If using a temporary location, you must prove the retailer has “possessory interest” (a lease or deed) and adequate control over the space. You must attach this proof to your application.
• Floor Plan: If using a temporary location, attach a floor plan sketch of the area.
• Note: The temporary location must meet all building, health, and fire codes.

Section 5 – Cancellation of Alternative Delivery Arrangement

• Read this section carefully: It states that the Department can cancel this deal and punish you (administrative action) if you do not follow the plan exactly as approved. No writing is required here, just understanding.

Section 6 – Additional Conditions

• Inspection Warning: You must acknowledge that the state can inspect the temporary location before you store any alcohol there.
• Records: The state can check your records at any time to ensure you are following the rules.
• No Sales Rule: It is strictly illegal to sell, give away, or drink alcohol at the temporary storage location. It is for storage only.

Section 7 – Declaration and Affidavit
Both parties must sign this legal statement declaring the information is true and acknowledging that you cannot start this arrangement until the Department approves it.

• Wholesaler/Distributor Signature: The authorized representative signs here.
• Date: Enter the date of signing.
• Printed Name: Print the name of the signer.
• Title: Enter the signer’s job title.
• Retailer Signature: The authorized representative for the retailer signs here.
• Date: Enter the date of signing.
• Printed Name: Print the name of the signer.
• Title: Enter the signer’s job title.