There's a Reason Montanans Can't Buy Liquor at Costco Stores

Did you know that you can buy beer and wine at Costco locations in Montana, but not liquor? Here's why.

First off, let me say that Montanans (at least in my humble opinion) are not that concerned about the fact that they can't buy liquor at Costco. We have great locally owned liquor stores that typically feature locally made products.

That being said, I'm sure some of you are snowbirds or have visited Arizona and wondered why you can't buy that big bottle of Kirkland brand vodka in Montana like you can down in Arizona.

Basically it comes down to our antiquated liquor laws here in Montana and how liquor licenses have been distributed over the years. A liquor license is worth a LOT of money in most locations, and if they ever reform how we hand out liquor licenses it has the potential of severely stripping away the value of those businesses that many people have invested their life's work and savings into. (One of our readers likely has an even more specific answer. If so, please send it our way)

According to VinePair.com (info may be dated), Montana is one of a few states that Costco is allowed to sell beer and wine, but not liquor- and you need a membership to purchase beer and wine.