Committee hears opponents warn of safety, licensing burdens on bill allowing 18–20 year‑olds to drink beer or wine with parent or guardian

Senator Jeremy Trevis opened the hearing on Senate Bill 195 by saying the bill would permit a person “at least 18 years of age but under the age of 21” to possess and consume beer or table wine if a parent, legal guardian or spouse age 21 or older is present and gives consent. The bill also makes local governments able to opt in and requires licensees to authorize the practice.

The Montana Restaurant Association and several hospitality and distillers’ witnesses opposed the bill, warning of operational and liability complications in tasting rooms and restaurants and urging rejection. Brad Griffin of the Restaurant Association warned that the measure creates “hassles and headaches” for staff and could jeopardize federal highway funding under the National Minimum Drinking Age Act.

Department of Transportation Director Mike Dorrington appeared to resolve one key fiscal question: DOT staff rechecked federal guidance and cited 23 CFR 1.208.3, which provides an exception for a minor accompanied by a parent, spouse or legal guardian. DOT staff said that changed an earlier fiscal estimate and that the prior fiscal note of roughly $38 million is now zero. Director Dorrington nevertheless urged caution on public‑safety grounds and presented Montana crash statistics for the committee: from 2013–2022, 2,051 people died in motor‑vehicle crashes on Montana roadways; 177 drivers aged 18–20 were involved in fatal crashes during that period. He also said roughly 40% of drivers aged 18–22 killed in crashes tested positive for alcohol; many of those drivers were unrestrained or speeding.

Opponents stressed enforcement and licensing friction: tasting room staff and servers would need to verify parent‑guardian relationships in real time, a burden that could expand training requirements and on‑premises liability. The Department of Revenue’s Alcohol Beverage Control Division provided informational testimony and said it was prepared to answer questions about licensing and enforcement.

Senator Trevis said the bill contains safeguards — licensee opt‑in, local government opt‑in and penalties if someone falsely represents eligibility — and that those controls, along with age‑verification requirements, are intended to limit misuse. He noted other jurisdictions (for example, Wisconsin) have different approaches and said he would engage with stakeholders on implementation.

The committee did not take a vote during the hearing.