(1) A vendor who desires to promote the sale of its liquor in Montana shall obtain a vendor permit from the department.

(2) An applicant for a vendor permit must submit an application and the vendor permit fee.

(3) The department shall deny an application upon determining that the applicant possesses an ownership interest in any Montana alcoholic beverage retail license or state agency liquor store.

(4) A vendor permit is effective upon the department's approval of the application. All vendor permits expire on September 30.

(5) A vendor seeking renewal of its vendor permit shall submit a renewal application and the vendor permit fee, postmarked by September 1.

(6) The annual vendor permit fee is based upon the total number of cases the vendor sold to the department during the preceding fiscal year (July 1 to June 30) as follows:

(a) 0-24 cases = no charge;

(b) 25-100 cases = $100;

(c) 101-1,000 cases = $200;

(d) 1,001 - 2,000 cases = $300; and

(e) 2,001 or more cases = $400.