MT HB315

Increases the required food sales ratio for restaurant beer and wine licenses from 65% to 70% of gross income, applicable to both initial licensing and annual compliance attestations

Removes the mandatory requirement that restaurants serve evening dinner meals at least 4 days per week between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Changes operating hours from a fixed 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. window to a flexible 12 consecutive hours chosen by the licensee, with service permitted no earlier than 8 a.m. and no later than 11 p.m.

Requires licensees to notify the department of their operating hours and obtain approval before changing serving hours

Allows restaurants to serve beer and wine to patrons regardless of whether they order food, while maintaining the prohibition on advertising that food purchase is not required