This form is used to request an official determination from the Montana Department of Revenue’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Division that a business qualifies as a “guest ranch.” Under Montana law, a guest ranch must provide overnight lodging, dining, and on-site outdoor recreational activities typical of western ranching (like horseback riding, wagon rides, or working with livestock) on at least 50 contiguous acres located outside incorporated city or town limits. Completing this form establishes whether your facility meets these specific criteria, which can impact alcoholic beverage licensing and service privileges on the premises (for example, allowing service across the ranch property rather than just in a single building).
How To File It
Submit the completed form along with the required supporting documentation to the Montana Department of Revenue Alcoholic Beverage Control Division. You can file by mail or email:
- Mail: PO Box 1712, Helena, MT 59624-1712.
- Email: DORAlcoholicBeverageControl@mt.gov.
If you are also applying for a new alcoholic beverage license at this location, the form notes you must submit Form 5 and comply with other licensure requirements under ARM 42.12.101.
How To Complete Montana Guest Ranch Determination Request Form
Section I – Licensee Information
Entity Name
Enter the legal name of the business entity (LLC, Corporation, etc.) applying for the determination.
Business Name (DBA)
Enter the “Doing Business As” name (the name the public sees, like “Mountain View Guest Ranch”).
On Premise Account ID
Enter your existing account ID if you have one.
Alcoholic Beverage License No.
Enter your current alcoholic beverage license number if you are already licensed.
Phone / Email
Enter the contact phone number and email address for the licensee.
Section II – Determination Checklist (Yes/No Questions)
Answer each question to confirm you meet the statutory requirements.
1. Is The Guest Ranch Owned By The Licensee Or By A Concessionaire?
Check Yes or No. (Note: The question asks about ownership structure.)
2. Does The Guest Ranch Offer Overnight Lodging, Dining, And On-Site Outdoor Recreational Activities To Guests?
Check Yes or No. This confirms the core business model required by the definition.
3. Is The Guest Ranch Comprised Of At Least 50 Contiguous Acres?
Check Yes or No. This is the minimum size requirement.
4. Is The Guest Ranch Entirely Located Outside The License Quota Area Of An Incorporated City Or Town?
Check Yes or No. The premises must be outside city limits/quota areas as determined under the cited statutes.
5. Will A Perimeter Barrier Be Used To Confine Alcohol Service To Licensee-Controlled Areas?
Check Yes or No. If you check No, you must provide a written description of the property line in your application materials.
Section III – Documentation Checklist (What To Attach)
You must attach proof for your claims. The form lists specific required items:
1. Acreage Proof
Documentation showing the ranch sits on at least 50 contiguous acres.
2. Lodging Proof
Documentation showing the ranch offers overnight lodging.
3. Activity Proof
Documentation showing the ranch offers recreational activities typical of western ranching (horseback riding, wagon/sleigh rides, fishing, shooting, working with livestock, etc.).
4. Plat-Style Map
A map accurately describing the property, including indoor/outdoor portions, the permanent building where alcohol will be served, and property boundaries.
5. Property Line Description (If Applicable)
A written description of the property line if you answered “No” to Question 5 in Section II (meaning you aren’t using a perimeter barrier).
6. New License Requirement (If Applicable)
If this is a new license application, include Form 5 and other required licensure documents.
Section IV – Declaration And Affidavit
Signature And Certification
The applicant or authorized representative must sign and date the form, declaring under penalty of false swearing that the responses and information are true, correct, and complete.
- Signature: Sign the form.
- Date: Enter the signing date.
- Printed Name: Print the signer’s name.
- Title: Enter the signer’s title.
(Source: Guest Ranch Determination Request Form, all sections.)