All states have provisions that prohibit supplying alcohol to underage individuals. States punish these activities as criminal offenses, and anyone who knowingly supplies underage individuals with alcohol is committing a crime—except in a few limited circumstances provided by some state laws, such as in a home environment, or for medicinal purposes.
In Montana, it is illegal to provide alcohol to individuals under the age of 21, as per the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) 45-5-624, which outlines the offense of Unlawful Transactions with Children. This statute makes it a criminal offense to knowingly provide alcohol to a minor. Violating this law can result in significant penalties, including fines and potential jail time. However, Montana law does allow for some exceptions to this prohibition. Under MCA 16-6-305, a parent or guardian may furnish alcohol to their own child or ward in a non-public place, such as the family home, without facing criminal charges. Additionally, alcohol may be provided to minors for medicinal purposes if prescribed by a healthcare professional. Outside of these specific exceptions, supplying alcohol to underage individuals is a criminal act in Montana.