Montana Responsible Alcohol Sales and Service (RASS)

Montana law requires Responsible Alcohol Sales and Service (RASS) training for anyone who sells, serves, or delivers alcoholic beverages, as well as their immediate supervisors and the licensee if they also serve or sell. Training must be completed with a state-approved provider within 60 days of hire and repeated every 3 years thereafter (Montana Code Annotated § 16-4-1005).

RASS training is overseen by the Montana Department of Revenue’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Division (ABCD), which approves classroom and online providers and maintains training verification resources.

Steps to Be Compliant in Montana:

1. Identify covered employees:
   Include all staff who sell, serve, mix, or deliver alcohol, their immediate supervisors, and the licensee (if they personally serve or sell).
2. Complete RASS training within 60 days of hire:
   Enroll each covered employee in a Montana-approved RASS course (online or in-person) and ensure they complete the training and exam no later than 60 days after their start date.
3. Maintain proof of training:
   Keep certificates and records of completion on file for all trained employees. Be prepared to show proof of training during inspections or audits.
4. Renew training every 3 years:
   RASS certification is valid for 3 years. Schedule retraining before the expiration date so employees remain continuously compliant.

What RASS Training Covers:

• Montana alcohol laws and licensee responsibilities.
• Effects of alcohol on the body and behavior.
• Recognizing signs of intoxication.
• Checking IDs and spotting fake or altered identification.
• Preventing sales or service to underage or intoxicated persons.
• Refusal skills and handling difficult situations.
• Documentation, incident logs, and “reasonable effort” to prevent violations.

Program Benefits:

1. Mandatory Statewide Compliance
RASS is required by Montana law for all alcohol servers, sellers, deliverers, their supervisors, and licensees who serve or sell. Completion within 60 days of hire and renewal every three years are key license compliance conditions.

2. Reduced Liability & Risk Exposure
Training helps prevent sales to minors and intoxicated customers, reducing the risk of fines, license suspension or revocation, and civil liability.

3. Standardized Training Across Staff
All covered employees receive consistent instruction on Montana laws, ID checks, intoxication recognition, and refusal techniques, improving day-to-day compliance.

4. Clear 3-Year Certification Cycle
A defined three-year renewal schedule makes it easy to track when staff need refresher training and to keep your training records up to date.

5. Support from State-Approved Providers
RASS courses are offered by state-approved providers (online and in-person), with standardized content and certificates that can be verified by the ABCD.