Helena — Lawmakers heard testimony on House Bill 123, a measure that would allow department‑approved self‑serve dispensing devices for beer and wine and clarify existing law about when customer self‑pouring constitutes ‘‘self‑service.’’

Representative Katie Zolnikoff, sponsor of House Bill 123, told the House Business and Labor Committee the bill “is legalizing self serve alcohol devices” and that the devices are typically used with a prepaid card that allows a customer to select predetermined volumes of beer or wine from a wall of options. Zolnikoff described the model as one that preserves employee oversight: ‘‘the concessionaire, which is the license holder or the concessionaire’s employees to ensure that people are not over served.’’

Proponents including the Montana Restaurant Association and the Montana Retail Association argued the devices allow customers to sample wines in smaller portions, reduce overpouring and waste, and can help businesses cope with labor shortages. Brad Griffin, president of the Montana Restaurant Association, told the committee the machines “pour exactly the same amount every single time” and said inert gas systems help preserve opened wine for up to 30 days.

The Gaming Industry Association also testified in favor of the bill, noting many licensed gaming venues must hold liquor licenses to operate gaming. John Iverson, testifying for the Montana Tavern Association, gave mixed remarks: he initially said he ‘‘was going to stand in support’’ but later cautioned about the unique public‑interest considerations around alcohol and emphasized the industry’s responsibility to control service. He told lawmakers, “Alcohol is a unique product. It has a unique place in society, both good and bad.”

Committee members pressed on operational controls: how cards are loaded and whether the system should limit volumes, whether cards can be used at multiple establishments, and who would maintain draft lines or dispensing equipment. Sponsor Zolnikoff said the bill requires department approval for devices and clarified during her closing that the bill’s language contemplates predetermined volumes (ounces), not predetermined dollar amounts. Administrator Becky Schlau said devices and systems would be subject to department approval and that regulation could address operational details as needed.

Several witnesses said existing statute and licensee obligations to prevent over‑service remain in force regardless of dispensing method. Deborah Pittasi of the Montana Beer and Wine Distributors Association said maintenance and quality control of draft lines and equipment often fall under distributor contracts with suppliers and that distributors commonly maintain draft lines to protect product quality.

No formal opponents were recorded on the hearing record, though some witnesses offered cautionary remarks about balancing access with public safety and maintaining oversight. Representative Zolnikoff closed by saying the bill aims to authorize a business model already operating in some places and to clarify ambiguous applications of current law when customers top off their own glass after a server has poured the first drink.

The committee took testimony and questions; no vote was recorded at the hearing.