Ensuring all establishments selling or producing alcoholic beverages, including liquor, beer, and wine are properly licensed and conform to the law.
Our lobby is open Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closed on government-observed holidays.
Recent changes were made to Idaho’s incorporated liquor license laws.
If your incorporated liquor license was issued on or before July 1, 2023, review Idaho Code § 23-903 (16), (17), (18), and (19) before submitting a transfer application to ABC.
If your incorporated liquor license was issued after July 1, 2023, refer to Idaho Code § 23-903 (15).
Note: ABC recommends consulting your legal representative for guidance before contacting ABC, as we will not provide guidance or legal advice on business transactions.
Alcohol Beverage Control
Rocky Gripton
Captain
700 S. Stratford Dr, #115
Meridian, ID 83642
Email
Phone: 208-884-7060
Legislative Information
The following bills become effective July 1, 2024:
Combining Brewery and Brewers Pub definitions.
- Bill Language: The bulk of proposed changes appear with underlined text.
Resort City License updates.
- Bill Language: The bulk of proposed changes appear with underlined text.
Transferring of Liquor License updates.
- Bill Language: The bulk of proposed changes appear with underlined text.
ABC’s ZBR review for 11.05.01 was scheduled for the 2023 legislative session but was moved to the 2024 session to account for potential changes in the statute. This move allowed ABC to focus exclusively on navigating this new law and assisting license holders.
11.05.01 – RULES GOVERNING ALCOHOL BEVERAGE CONTROL
Docket No. 11-0501-2403 (ZBR Chapter Rewrite)
Notice of Intent to Promulgate Rules – Zero-Based Regulation (ZBR) Negotiated Rulemaking
In compliance with Sections 67-5220(1) and 67-5220(2), Idaho Code, notice is hereby given that this agency intends to promulgate rules and desires public comment and input prior to initiating formal rulemaking
procedures.
Meeting Notification & Schedule
Idaho Administrative Bulletin 11.6.2024
IDAPA 11.05.01 – Currently posted rules governing Alcohol Beverage Control
Upcoming Events
Mobile Bars
ABC receives numerous inquiries on alcohol licensing for mobile beer and wine trucks/trailers. There are no alcohol licenses available for the sole purpose of operating a mobile beer or wine truck/trailer in Idaho.
Three licensing types are available for retailers:
- Bar,
- Restaurant, and
- Convenience/grocery stores.
A licensee is obligated to present themselves publicly in accordance with their granted license. Their premises must be suitable for the specific license they are seeking, ensuring legitimate sales are conducted on the licensed premises. The establishment should maintain regular business hours and be open for inspection at any time.
A permanent structure with a designated address is necessary to obtain a license. This structure must comply with proper zoning regulations, as well as meet other city and county requirements such as parking, fire suppression, and ADA accessibility. State, county, and city authorities all require alcohol licensing, especially if the establishment is within city limits.
Following the acquisition of a license, alcohol sales, and consumption are restricted to the licensed premises unless a catering permit is secured for a special event. A catering permit is a temporary license extension, allowing alcohol service for a limited duration during events like weddings, holiday celebrations, or community gatherings. The permit must be obtained through the relevant city or county where the event is scheduled to take place.
New Idaho Driver’s License Card Design
The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) began issuing new versions of driving licenses and identification credentials, which incorporated changes to the graphics, materials, and security features. ISP has heard of instances where bars rejected patrons with the new license, but they are official documents of the State of Idaho.
REAL ID, commonly called the Star Card, is optional in Idaho and does not impact the validity of the credentialing. Compliant cards have a star emblem in the upper right corner, while non-compliant cards have a banner stating, “NOT ACCEPTABLE FOR REAL ID OFFICIAL PURPOSES.”
Fingerprint Fee
An applicant’s fingerprint-based background check fee is $33.25 – based on the FBI fee schedule. Cards received with the wrong amount will be returned, and the license application process will be delayed.
Resources
- ABC Public Database –
- Active Licenses
- Certificate of Approval Shipment Reports
- Monthly Beer & Wine Reports
- Permit Verification
- Price Posting
- Alcohol Awareness Training
- Alcohol beverage license: Expiration by county
- Benevolent Charitable or Public Purpose Event permittees may have liquor at events per Idaho Statute §23-509B. (July 2022)
- Cigarette & Tobacco Taxes – Title 63
- Current License Holders: Online renewals are emailed at the beginning of the renewal period.
- Guidelines for Alcohol Delivery (December 2022)
- Idaho Code Title 23 – Alcoholic Beverages
- Idaho State Tax Commission
- Idaho Tobacco Project Website
- IDAPA 11 Title 05, Chapter 01 – ABC Administrative Rules
- New Liquor License Applicants: Obtaining a liquor license in Idaho
- State-Issued Identification Cards: State of Idaho Driver’s Licenses and ID Cards
- Tax and Trade Bureau
- Wineries, breweries, wholesalers, and distributors must seek county/city approval before starting the application process with ABC.
Agency & Court Decisions for ABC Administrative Cases
Orders ten (10) years or older are not listed. If interested in additional cases, email ABC.
Letters from ABC
- City County Clerks Issuing Catering Permit 2023.pdf
- Dessert Wines Update 2019.pdf
- Direct Ship Beer Notice.pdf
- Guidance 22 1 Wine Sampling Events.pdf
- Guidance 23 1 Club Licenses.pdf
- Guidance 23 2 Alcohol Drinks Resembling Soft Drinks.pdf
- IC23 928Coin Pusher Machines Notice 2017.pdf
- New Liquor License Applicant Notice.pdf
- NonCriminal Applicant Privacy Statement.pdf
- Penalty Schedule 2015.pdf
- Renewal Process Changes 2019.pdf
- Unauthorized Gambling Devices Notice 2021.pdf
- Winery Catering Permit Notice 2017.pdf