The 15,200-acre private golf and ski club is located near Big Sky, Montana. Yellowstone Club photo.
The owners of Montana's Yellowstone Club have agreed to pay $370,000 in fines in order to retain the four liquor licenses which allow the Club to serve alcohol in its restaurants and bars. The licenses in question were in jeopardy after state officials determined that the Club had served alcohol at a bar and restaurant that had applied for, but had not acquired, a liquor license, and intentionally deceived state inspectors who visited the site.
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The Club had passed a scheduled inspection in January, but when inspectors returned unannounced about a week later, they found alcohol being served in an unlicensed site. Officials seized 2,979 bottles of liquor, 3,108 bottles of wine, 2,954 bottles and cans of beer and 31 kegs of beer stashed on the resort’s property and in unlicensed warehouses, according to the Associated Press.
Some officials were pushing for a complete revocation of the Yellowstone Club's licenses, but a settlement considered less harmful to the resort's business has since been reached. Under the settlement, Hans Williamson, the YC's General Manager, will no longer be allowed to co-own liquor licenses or oversee liquor-related operations. The state also requires that the Club's alcohol-serving establishments close down for a period between seven and twenty days throughout the summer and fall, though not all at the same time. All seized alcohol will be returned to the Club.
About The Author
stash member Zack Skovron
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, now living in Jackson, WY. I’m an avid skier, biker, hiker, climber, and fisherman. Outside of sports, my major interests focus on public policy surrounding land use and energy systems.