Public SafetySaturday, October 17
Great Falls Police find 51 of 56 businesses passed an alcohol check for under-21 buyers
The Good Day Great Falls team
If you've wondered who's checking IDs around town, Great Falls Police checked 56 businesses that sell alcohol Wednesday night, Oct. 14. Volunteers who were 19 or 20 tried to buy alcohol at each one, and they showed a valid ID to every seller who asked. Fifty-one businesses passed, a 91 percent success rate.
More businesses passed the alcohol check than in January 2025
Sources: KRTV, The Electric
View as table
| Value | |
|---|---|
| Jan. 2025 | 82% |
| Oct. 2026 | 91% |
Employees at the five businesses that sold to the underage buyers were cited for a misdemeanor, The Electric reported. Police say illegal sales have dropped since Montana started requiring alcohol server training.
“As community members, we all have a responsibility to help protect our youth.”
- Closed during checks: 8 businesses, not counted in the pass rate
- Funding: STOP Act funds pay for the checks
- Selection: the state chooses the businesses randomly
Five Great Falls businesses failed the alcohol check
| Business | Address |
|---|---|
| 5th and Wine | 214 5th St. S. |
| Holiday Inn Bar and Casino | 400 10th Ave. S. |
| Pik and Pump / Kernaghan's | 1507 8th Ave. N. |
| Wal-Mart | 701 Smelter Ave. N.E. |
| Whiskey Falls Casino | 721 6th St. S.W. |
Source: The Electric
Sources: KRTV, The Electric