As far as I know, Grizzly and Krisco are the only “state” liquor stores in Missoula and 100 percent have the cheapest prices. I think all the casino liquor stores get their supply from one of those two, which is why their prices are higher. But I definitely could be wrong and, if so, would be interested in learning more. Montana liquor licensing laws are weird.
They don't all get their booze from Grizzly and Krisco because a lot of local places get theirs from from Lolo Liquor. Those three "agency franchise stores" all buy their booze directly from the Department of Revenue which has a huge warehouse by the Helena airport. Because those three stores distribute to most of the local casinos/bars, it makes sense that the agency franchise stores have the most selection, and they definitely do.
The casinos/bars all pay the exact same price from whoever they buy their booze from and the State sets a minimum price (the "posted price") that all of the agency franchise stores/casinos/bars can sell liquor for.
The stores/casinos/bars are then free to mark it up as little or as much as they want, so if the casinos are charging more, that is purely a business decision rather than because they are forced to mark up the booze to make a profit. You can see the posted prices for the current period here: [https://mtrevenue.gov/wp-content/uploads/dlm\_uploads/2024/03/MT-Liquor-Book-Summer-24.pdf](https://mtrevenue.gov/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/2024/03/MT-Liquor-Book-Summer-24.pdf)
A bunch of other info is here: [https://mtrevenue.gov/alcoholic-beverage-control/agency-liquor-stores/product-information/](https://mtrevenue.gov/alcoholic-beverage-control/agency-liquor-stores/product-information/)
Krisco and Grizzly are the two State Liquor stores in town and have best selection and price, but worse hours. The Casino stores buy their stock from these two and mark up from there.
Alcohol prices are regulated by the state. All of your a state liquor stores legally have to charge the same prices. They only complete on service and selection,
This is not correct. The bars/casinos all *buy* their liquor at the same price (i.e. they all pay exactly the same for cases of Absolut whether they buy from Grizzly, Krisco, Lolo Liquor, etc) and can't sell below a set price, but they are free to mark it up as much as they want.
Krisco is pretty fairly priced
Krisco and Grizzly have the best selection, not sure about the best price
As far as I know, Grizzly and Krisco are the only “state” liquor stores in Missoula and 100 percent have the cheapest prices. I think all the casino liquor stores get their supply from one of those two, which is why their prices are higher. But I definitely could be wrong and, if so, would be interested in learning more. Montana liquor licensing laws are weird.
They don't all get their booze from Grizzly and Krisco because a lot of local places get theirs from from Lolo Liquor. Those three "agency franchise stores" all buy their booze directly from the Department of Revenue which has a huge warehouse by the Helena airport. Because those three stores distribute to most of the local casinos/bars, it makes sense that the agency franchise stores have the most selection, and they definitely do. The casinos/bars all pay the exact same price from whoever they buy their booze from and the State sets a minimum price (the "posted price") that all of the agency franchise stores/casinos/bars can sell liquor for. The stores/casinos/bars are then free to mark it up as little or as much as they want, so if the casinos are charging more, that is purely a business decision rather than because they are forced to mark up the booze to make a profit. You can see the posted prices for the current period here: [https://mtrevenue.gov/wp-content/uploads/dlm\_uploads/2024/03/MT-Liquor-Book-Summer-24.pdf](https://mtrevenue.gov/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/2024/03/MT-Liquor-Book-Summer-24.pdf) A bunch of other info is here: [https://mtrevenue.gov/alcoholic-beverage-control/agency-liquor-stores/product-information/](https://mtrevenue.gov/alcoholic-beverage-control/agency-liquor-stores/product-information/)
Thanks so much for the clarification and additional information. That’s really interesting.
I've seen Grizzly delivery van at casinos before.
Krisco and Grizzly are the two State Liquor stores in town and have best selection and price, but worse hours. The Casino stores buy their stock from these two and mark up from there.
Alcohol prices are regulated by the state. All of your a state liquor stores legally have to charge the same prices. They only complete on service and selection,
This is not correct. The bars/casinos all *buy* their liquor at the same price (i.e. they all pay exactly the same for cases of Absolut whether they buy from Grizzly, Krisco, Lolo Liquor, etc) and can't sell below a set price, but they are free to mark it up as much as they want.
We are saying the same thing. All of those places you mentioned are state liquor stores.
Not buying it. maybe going to a meeting, is always a good option.