Bill > S1169

This bill establishes a new type of liquor license specifically for city restaurants in Idaho, allowing cities to issue restaurant-specific liquor licenses under certain conditions. These licenses can be granted to restaurants within city limits, even if they exceed existing population-based license limitations. To qualify, restaurants must demonstrate that at least 60% of their gross sales come from food services, both initially and in subsequent renewals. The bill allows for food halls with multiple restaurants to also obtain these licenses, provided their combined food service sales meet the 60% threshold. Restaurants with these licenses must dispense liquor only in approved areas, stop liquor sales when food service ends, and cannot operate as a bar or lounge. Each city can issue between three and the maximum number of existing liquor licenses, with priority given on a first-come, first-served basis. The licenses are non-transferable and cannot be sold or leased to other locations. The licensing fees will be the same as existing restaurant liquor license fees, and the law is set to go into effect on July 1, 2025, with an emergency clause to expedite its implementation.

Government Affairs, Justice

State Affairs Committee (S)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/S1169/