(1) A vendor who desires to promote the sale of its liquor in Montana shall register at least one representative with the department. A vendor may register a maximum of three representatives.

(2) Liquor may only be promoted by the vendor's registered representative or a party accompanied by the vendor's registered representative, except as provided in (8).

(3) An applicant seeking to represent a vendor must submit an application and the vendor representative registration fee.

(4) The department shall approve an application upon determining that the applicant:

(a) possesses no ownership interest in any Montana alcoholic beverage retail license or a state agency liquor store;

(b) is 18 years of age or older; and

(c) is a resident of Montana.

(5) A representative's registration is effective upon the department's approval of the application. All registrations expire on September 30.

(6) A representative seeking registration renewal shall submit a renewal application and the vendor representative registration fee, postmarked by September 1.

(7) The department shall cancel the registration of a vendor's representative if requested in writing by the vendor.

(8) A vendor shall fill the one required representative position within 60 days of a vacancy. To promote its liquor during this 60-day period, the vendor must provide the department with advance written notice identifying the unregistered representative.

(9) The annual registration fee for each vendor representative is $50. This fee must be paid when the applicant first seeks approval to represent a vendor and upon each renewal of the registration thereafter.