COVID-19 RESOURCES AND UPDATES

The three-tier system that was created post-prohibition was done so in large part to protect the public by providing important checks and balances. As such, our association values were founded with this as a guiding principle.

The health and safety of all Montanans – whether our employees, partners, customers, contacts, family or friends – has always been a top priority for our association and each of our independent, family-owned distributor businesses.

We are taking the COVID-19 pandemic very seriously. Our members have implemented best practices to maintain the highest level of cleanliness while working hard to ensure shelves are as stocked as possible with beverages across the state. It is our hope that our beer and wine brands provide some normalcy and relaxation during this unprecedented and uncertain time. Beyond that, many of our members deliver several non-alcoholic products such as caffeinated beverages, kombucha, sodas, juices, and water to hundreds of locations in Montana. We are both proud and grateful to be an organization of essential businesses that can continue to provide our communities with these much-needed supplies.

We have included the following information to offer guidance and updates surrounding COVID-19 and its effects on our industry. Please contact us if you have any additional questions or concerns.

Alcohol Industry Information and Resources

- Alcoholic Beverage License Nonuse During COVID-19 Fact Sheet
- Update MT DOR Phase 2 Guidelines for Alcoholic Beverage Licensees and Agency Liquor Stores – June 1, 2020
- CDC Considerations for Restaurants and Bars – Updated July 17, 2020

Updated MT DOR Phase I Guidelines for Alcoholic Beverage Licensees and Agency Liquor Stores – April 30, 2020
MT DOR Phase I Guidelines for Alcoholic Beverage Licensees and Agency Liquor Stores – April 28, 2020
MT DOR Guidance on Governor’s Directive – March 20, 2020
MT Governor’s Directive on Bars and Restaurants – March 20, 2020
MT DOR Announcement allowing the return of products purchased for events canceled due to COVID-19 – March 17, 2020
MT DOR ABCD/Gambling Control Division- Alcohol Beverage Control Process Modifications Due to COVID-19 – Includes information on fingerprint cards, financing guidelines, and personnel changes.
Department of Homeland Security Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce March 19, 2020
Montana DOR COVID page
Brewer’s Association Request to Congress for Out of Code Beer – March 19, 2020
National Restaurant Association COVID-19 Info & Resources

NBWA Breakroom Posters

Trucking Updates

FMCSA COVID-19 Drug & Alcohol Testing Guidance – Provides information and guidance relating to how to handle random testing when some tests are unable to be completed, along with other matters.
DOT Guidance on Compliance with DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulations – Information on the guidance on compliance with DOT drug & alcohol testing during the COVID-19 National Emergency
Enforcement Notice on Expiring CDLs– This Notice of Enforcement Policy, effective from March 24, 2020 to June 30, 2020, provides needed relief from specified FMCSRs for CLP holders, CDL holders, and non-CDL drivers and motor carriers using those drivers. This Notice of Enforcement Policy applies to all CLP holders, CDL holders, and non-CDL drivers whose license was issued for less than the maximum period established by 49 CFR 383.25 and 383.73 and was valid on February 29, 2020 and expired on or after March 1, 2020.
Waiver for States, CDL Holders, CLP Holders, and Interstate Drivers Operating Commercial Motor Vehicles – The waiver is effective until June 30, 2020 and provides important relief resulting from situations where many CDL and CLP holders are unable to renew their CDLs and CLPs and are unable to provide medical certificates to their State Driver Licensing Agencies. In addition, many medical providers nationwide have canceled regularly scheduled appointments to dedicate resources to the COVID-19 response. As a result, drivers are unable to obtain appointments for physical examinations with medical examiners.
Governor Bullock’s Directive re COVID-19 – March 15, 2020
FMCSA Emergency Declaration
FMCSA FAQ’s on Emergency Declaration
March 13, 2020 (Original Release) – US Department of Transportation Issues National Emergency Declaration for Commercial Vehicles Delivering Relief in Response to the Coronavirus Outbreak
March 18, 2020 (clarification of first release) – US Department of Transportation Expands National Emergency Declaration for Commercial Vehicles Delivering Relief in Response to the Coronavirus Outbreak
Montana DOJ – March 17, 2020 – Motor Vehicle Division Announces Changes in Response to COVID-19