Bill to allow department‑approved self‑serve wine and beer devices draws mixed industry reaction in committee

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…