To obtain a bartending license in Idaho, you must follow a series of steps that involve applying for licenses through various agencies, completing a background check, financial check, and fingerprinting, securing a retail beer license, obtaining a state, county, and local license, and completing alcohol server awareness training. Additionally, you may need to apply for a Supplier Representative Permit if you plan to conduct business at any liquor store or distributing station in Idaho. If you intend to serve and/or sell alcoholic beverages at an offsite venue, an Alcohol Beverage Catering Permit is required.
1. Apply for Licenses through Various Agencies
- Purpose: To legally manufacture, sell, warehouse, distribute, and/or import alcoholic beverages in Idaho.
- Estimated Cost: A 3% processing fee of the total transaction plus $1.00 is added when using a credit or debit card to pay license fees, fingerprint fees, or fines to ABC.
- Instructions: Apply for the appropriate license through the Idaho State Police Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC). There are different types of licenses available depending on your needs. All these forms can be found on the ABC Applications & Forms page.
2. Complete Background Check, Financial Check, and Fingerprinting
- Purpose: To ensure that you meet the necessary requirements to handle alcoholic beverages.
- Instructions: You can apply for a background check through the Idaho State Police's Alcohol Beverage Control Division. Contact the Idaho State Police, Alcohol Beverage Control Division for a state license, the county sheriff's office or Idaho State Police for background checks and fingerprints.
3. Secure a Retail Beer License
- Purpose: This is a prerequisite before applying for an alcoholic beverage permit.
- Instructions: Contact the Idaho State Tax Commission to obtain a beer or wine tax permit and a sales tax permit (reseller's permit).
4. Complete Alcohol Server Awareness Training
- Purpose: To ensure that you are aware of the responsibilities and potential liabilities associated with serving alcohol.
- Instructions: Register for a free Canvas account and complete an online training course provided by the Idaho State Police Alcohol Beverage Control. Use the join code 9MLJKN during registration. The training is applicable to all alcohol retailers. More information about this training can be found on their website.
5. Apply for a Supplier Representative Permit (if applicable)
- Purpose: To conduct business at any liquor store or distributing station in Idaho.
- Estimated Cost: The annual permit charge is $50.00.
- Instructions: This permit is issued annually by the Idaho State Liquor Division (ISLD). Permits and badges can be obtained by submitting a Representative Permit Application with a current photo or by a scheduled appointment at the ISLD Central Office. More information can be found here.
6. Apply for an Alcohol Beverage Catering Permit (if applicable)
- Purpose: To serve and/or sell alcoholic beverages by the drink at an offsite venue.
- Instructions: Apply for this permit at least 5 business days prior to the date of the event. The application can be submitted through the online application system or by visiting the Office of the City Clerk. More information can be found here.
FAQs
- What is the cost of applying for a license? A 3% processing fee of the total transaction plus $1.00 is added when using a credit or debit card to pay license fees, fingerprint fees, or fines to ABC.
- Do I need to complete any training to get a bartending license in Idaho? Yes, you need to complete an online training course provided by the Idaho State Police Alcohol Beverage Control.
- What is a Supplier Representative Permit? This permit allows you to conduct business at any liquor store or distributing station in Idaho. The annual permit charge is $50.00.
- What is an Alcohol Beverage Catering Permit? This permit allows a State of Idaho alcohol beverage licensee to serve and/or sell alcoholic beverages by the drink at an offsite venue.
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