Great Falls Alcohol Compliance Check Reveals Drop in Success Rate

GREAT FALLS – On the evening of January 22, 2025, a compliance check was conducted at 34 businesses selling alcohol within the city limits of Great Falls. The goal of the operation was to ensure liquor license holders are taking measures to prevent the sale of alcohol to individuals under the age of 21. The safety of Great Falls’ youth remains a top priority, and we maintain a zero-tolerance stance on these matters.

The establishments were randomly selected by the State of Montana, with the operation supported by STOP Act funds from Alliance for Youth Substance Abuse Prevention stakeholders. Since the implementation of mandatory alcohol server training in Montana, we have seen a significant decline in illegal alcohol sales to underage individuals.

For this operation, volunteers aged 19 or 20 participated and carried valid legal identification cards or driver’s licenses. They presented their IDs when requested by servers or sellers.

Out of the 34 businesses, all were open, and an attempt to purchase alcohol occurred. Of these, 28 businesses passed, while 6 failed, resulting in a success rate of 82%. This is a decrease from the 91% success rate in the previous compliance check conducted in April 2024.

We commend the businesses and employees who passed the check for their efforts in preventing the sale of alcohol to underage purchasers. Employees who sold alcohol to underage volunteers were issued citations for violating MCA 16-3-301 (Unlawful Sales/Transfer to a Person under 21 years of age), a misdemeanor offense.

ESTABLISHMENTS IN VIOLATION

Albertson's* - 1414 3rd St NW

Heritage Inn/Max Casino - 1700 Fox Farm Rd

Keith's Country Store - 1621 10th Ave S

Flamingo - 3028 10th Ave S

Holiday West Casino - 1520 3rd St NW

Loaf and Jug - 900 1st Ave N