(1) The use of a noncontiguous alcoholic beverage storage area by a retail licensee is permissible, as provided in 16-3-311, MCA. 

(2) The use of a resort alternate alcoholic beverage storage facility is permissible, as provided in 16-4-213, MCA.

(3) A noncontiguous alcoholic beverage storage area or resort alternate alcoholic beverage storage facility must only be used for the storage of alcoholic beverages and must have adequate physical safeguards to prevent access by individuals other than the licensee or their employees.

(4) A licensee must submit the following to the department via its online licensing portal for approval of either a noncontiguous alcoholic beverage storage area or resort alternate alcoholic beverage storage facility:

(a) a completed noncontiguous alcoholic beverage storage area or resort alternate alcoholic beverage storage facility request form, as applicable;

(b) the application fee provided in 16-3-311 or 16-4-213, MCA;

(c) a copy of the floor plan for a noncontiguous alcoholic beverage storage area or the resort site plan and floor plan for a resort alternate alcoholic beverage storage facility;

(d) documentation of the licensee's possessory interest in the noncontiguous alcoholic beverage storage area or resort alternate alcoholic beverage storage facility;

(e) documentation demonstrating that a noncontiguous alcoholic beverage storage area or resort alternate alcoholic beverage storage facility meets the requirements of 16-3-311 and 16-4-213, MCA, as applicable, and (3);

(f) evidence of approvals from state or local officials that the premises meet building, health, and fire code requirements, as required by state or local law; and

(g) any additional documentation the department deems reasonably necessary in order to approve the licensee's request.

(5) Upon its acceptance and review of a licensee's submissions in (4), the department will arrange an inspection of a noncontiguous alcoholic beverage storage area or a resort alternate alcoholic beverage storage facility and will review the inspection findings.

(6) The department will notify the licensee, in writing, of the department's approval or denial of the noncontiguous alcoholic beverage storage area or resort alternate alcoholic beverage storage facility.

(7) Upon approval, a licensee's license will be updated to reflect the location of the noncontiguous alcoholic beverage storage area or resort alternate alcoholic beverage storage facility. The licensee must display a copy of the license in a prominent place at the noncontiguous alcoholic beverage storage area or resort alternate alcoholic beverage storage facility.

(8) No alcoholic beverages may be stored by the licensee at the noncontiguous alcoholic beverage storage area or resort alternate alcoholic beverage storage facility prior to receiving department approval.

(9) The selling, giving away, or consumption of alcoholic beverages at a noncontiguous alcoholic beverage storage area or resort alternate alcoholic beverage storage facility is prohibited.