Montana Legislators Approve Restrictions on Alcoholic Energy Drinks

Both houses of the Montana legislature have approved a bill that would limit sales of energy drinks that contain alcohol, the Billings Gazette reported March 14.

House lawmakers voted 54-44 in favor of a measure that would restrict sales of alcoholic energy drinks to liquor stores. The bill, introduced by Sen. Carol Juneau, previously was approved by the state Senate and could go to Gov. Brian Schweitzer this week.

The measure effectively treats drinks containing stimulants like caffeine, taurine or ginseng and 0.5 percent alcohol or more like hard liquor for sales purposes.