Bozeman businesses that sell alcohol are faced with a challenge: serving patrons who have the intention of drinking to the point of intoxication, while at the same time following Montana Law that prohibits selling alcohol to intoxicated customers. The law which states “No person may give alcoholic beverage to a person apparently under the influence of alcohol,” might seem contradictory or baffling to anyone enjoying the downtown bar scene on a typical night in Bozeman. Adding to this puzzlement is the fact that liquor liability is a major part of the business of selling alcohol. With Montana’s Dram Shop Law, bar owners, managers and alcohol servers can be held financially liable if a customer becomes obviously intoxicated on their premises and subsequently injures someone or causes property damage. Any business that does not take the matter seriously is at great risk, possibly of losing their business due to a lawsuit where they are held liable. So at what point is a person “apparently under the influence of alcohol,” when they should no longer be served alcohol? This seemingly gray area does have proven guidelines that are positive for both customers and businesses, and ultimately for the safety of our community. The Responsible Alcohol Service and Sales training helps those that sell alcohol to know when service needs to be stopped, and how best to communicate this with intoxicated customers. The training is meant to help business owners monitor the selling and consumption of alcohol on their premisesgreatly reducing liability. The “Let’s Control It” trainings are held the first Thursday of every month at the Bozeman Public Library. For more information, contact Jason Karls, Alcohol and Drug Services of Gallatin County, 586-5908. Thank you to those local businesses that already send employees to these trainings. Jason Karls Bozeman