NATIONAL

STOP Underage Drinking Act.The Sober Truth on Preventing Underage Drinking (STOP) Act (HR 864) calls for greater federal oversight of underage drinking with dedicated funding, a media campaign and annual reports.  The bill, originally passed in the House of Representatives on November 14th, was amended in the Senate.  The amended version passed the Senate December 6th and the House December 7th.  The bill now awaits the President's signature.

STATE

Web Sites of Interest. The Montana Gaming Research and Education Fund web site,www.gamblingmontana.org , deals with problem gambling issues.

The Montana Gaming Group web site, www.montanagaming group.com, contains information on Montana hospitality industry business issues.

MTA Alcohol Server Training. The Montana Tavern Association encourages alcohol server training acknowledging the importance of good employees who can recognize and prevent over service and service to minors.

Web based TIPS training is now available through MTA's website. Just go to the top of our home page and click on alcohol server training. The training is available to everyone. The cost is $40.00 per person. MTA will give the establishment owner a $10.00, per person certified by TIPS, discount toward the next years MTA membership.

MTA is also developing opportunities for the TIPS Satellite training classes.

For information about TIPS trainers who conduct classroom training go to our MTA Contact page.

Designated Driver Program. Local tavern associations are helping to make our Montana highways safe by offering a Designated Driver Program within their local communities that promotes the use of a designated driver.

The Ravalli County Tavern Association has had a Designated Driver Program in place for approximately three years that is popular with patrons. The Tri-County Licensed Beverage Association and the Lake County Tavern Association have recently created a Designated Driver Program and look forward to its success.

A person who qualifies as a designated driver is eligible to win a monetary prize from the local tavern association if the person's name is drawn during the month the person participated in the Designated Driver Program and is eligible again at a yearly drawing of those who participated in the program during that year. Look for posters promoting the program at establishments you patronize. For more specific details, ask your bartender.

The MTA endorses the local tavern associations Designated Driver Programs and encourages the use of a designated driver. The MTA asks even those using a designated driver to continue to drink responsibly.

MTA Membership

Licensee Membership. Industry members are encouraged to join the MTA as there are many challenges facing the hospitality industry today.  The MTA works hard to protect retail liquor licensees against threats to their economic well-being and their right to make a reasonable living off the time and money they've put into their operation.  We at the MTA need your support to continue to fight legislation and regulations that would adversely affect your liquor and/or gambling business.

Associate Membership. The MTA encourages businesses who provide a product or a service to retail liquor licensees to become an Associate member of the MTA.  An Associate membership is an excellent way to show your appreciation and your support of your customers.  Your membership is also helpful to MTA members when looking for your type of product or service.

The membership application is available on our web site for your convenience.  Just download it, fill it out and send it along with the appropriate membership fee to the MTA Office today.  We want to include you as an MTA member.  We both benefit by your participation in our association.

MTA Benefits

MTA Insurance Group.  The MTA/Hub International property and casualty insurance program is saving qualified members 30-40% in the current marketplace.  Our workers comp program is also very competitive, plus, you have the option of a monthly payment plan. Our insurance programs more than offset the cost of MTA membership.  To participate in our exclusive group insurance program contact the MTA office at (406) 442-5040 or Crawford Agency at 1-888-675-2467.

ATM Program.  ATM Network, Inc., is offering its equipment and service to MTA/ABL members at a discounted rate.  An ATM at your establishment is a benefit to you in increased sales and a convenience to your customer who can access personal cash without leaving your premises.  For more information, contact Russ Freeman, ATM Network, Inc., at 1-800-929-0228.

ABL Store.  As an MTA member, you are also a member of our national affiliate, the American Beverage Licensees (ABL).  ABL created the ABL Store so members could purchase bar and promotional items through a time saving "one-stop-shopping" user-friendly website.  The site has hundreds of items at exceptional prices, even certain logoed items.  It is definitely worth your while to check out the ABL Store!  If you have any questions about product availability, call James Casa at 1-800-553-9824 x238 or email him at jcasa@concordind.com.

ChexDirect.  Through our alliance with ChexDirect, Inc., members of MTA can now enjoy the benefits of electronic payment services at volume group discounts.  The program is designed to give each of our members the price and service benefits currently only available to very large national companies and includes: reduced credit card rates for Visa, MasterCard, and American Express; electronic check conversion at the point of sale; networked check verification designed to protect all members; and ACH Payroll and Vendor Payments (no more checks to write and mail).  For more information, please call the MTA office at (406) 442-5040 or Larry Larsen at (406) 581-3179.

UPCOMING EVENTS