Catering Endorsements for On-Premises Licenses

About Catering Endorsements

You may apply for a catering endorsement for certain on-premises license.

A catering endorsement allows you sell alcohol at special events such as fairs, wedding, or sporting events.

When You May Cater an Event

You may cater an event when you have an approved catering endorsement and if it is:

  • Within 100 miles of your licensed premises
  • Not held on a location already licensed for alcohol sales (this includes special permit events and other licensed locations)
  • Not being held by you or another licensee (you must have an outside sponsor of the event and have a contract with the sponsor)
  • If you have a restaurant beer and wine license, you must also serve food at the catered event
  • More than one licensee can cater an event (such as large festival events).

Alcohol may be stored at the event:

  • One day prior to the event
  • During the event
  • One day following the conclusion of the event

Note: Only the licensee and their employees can have access to the alcohol storage

When a licensee caters an event that is within 15 feet of its licensed premises (such as a parking lot or street), patrons may take alcoholic beverages between the licensed premises and the catered event if the licensee:

  • Incorporates into the event barrier, a clearly marked path or paths from the public entry of the licensed premises to the public entry of the catered event;
  • Posts signs along the path or paths informing patrons as to where the consumption of alcoholic beverages is allowed and not allowed; and
  • Obtains approval from local government officials for the use of the path or paths, if:
    • The licensee does not already have possessory interest for the area;
    • The licensee does not already have conditional use approval from local government officials for the area; or
    • There is an ordinance in place prohibiting open containers of alcoholic beverages.

Fees

A $35 fee may be paid to the local law enforcement agency with an accompanying Catering Event Request Local Law Enforcement Notification Form (PDF).

  • New License Fee: $200
  • Application Processing Fee: $100
  • Renewal Fee: $200

  • New License Fee: $200
  • Application Processing Fee: $100
  • Renewal Fee: $200

  • New License Fee: $250
  • Application Processing Fee: $100
  • Renewal Fee: $250

Catering Requirements

When catering an event, you must:

  • Have a specific premise or designated enclosure for serving alcoholic beverages
  • Ensure only you or your employees, volunteers of the licensee, and/or alcoholic beverage manufacturer or vendor, its employees, or registered vendor representatives sell and serve alcohol at the event

The alcoholic beverage manufacturer or vendor, its employees, or registered vendor representatives are allowed to sell and serve at the catered event if:

  • The licensee gives their explicit consent;
  • The alcoholic beverage manufacturer or vendor holds a current alcoholic beverage license, registration, or permit from the department; and
  • Each person above serving alcoholic beverages is current with the Responsible Alcohol Sales and Service Act, provided in 16-4-1005, MCA, prior to the commencement of the catered event.

Prior to catering an event, you must:

  • Have an executed written contract to provide alcohol for the event
  • Notify the local law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over the area where the catered event will be held using a form provided by the department
  • Pay a $35 fee to the local law enforcement agency (if they choose to accept payment)

Reporting Requirements and Due Dates

Catering reports are due on the 15th of the month following the event and must include the:

  • Date and time of the event,
  • Location of the event,
  • Event name,
  • Sponsor of the event, and
  • A copy of the notification form signed by local law enforcement.

You must report catered events online using our TransAction Portal (TAP).

Application Options and Dates

You may apply online for a catering endorsement using our TransAction Portal (TAP) or download the appropriate form and submit by mail:

Renewals

Your catering endorsement must be renewed by June 30 every year.

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