Buying Beer In Idaho: Sunday Shopping Laws Explained

Alcohol laws vary across the US, and Idaho is no exception. In this largely conservative state, you can't buy alcohol at all on Sundays, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, or Christmas Day. However, local counties can choose to permit sales on some of these days, except Christmas. So, can you buy beer on a Sunday in Idaho? It depends on where you are. Some cities and counties have passed ordinances to allow Sunday sales, but others have not. Idaho Falls, Blackfoot, and Idaho Falls are examples of places where you can't buy beer on Sundays.

Alcohol sales are prohibited on Sundays, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day

According to Idaho Countysection 4 of the ordinance, the city council must approve the extension of hours of sale of liquor by the drink, and until such approval is given, the provision will not apply to areas within the city limits. This means that even within Idaho, there may be variations in the rules regarding alcohol sales between different counties and cities.

The hours for alcohol sales in Idaho are typically from 6:00 am to 1:00 am, although some cities may permit sales until 2:00 am. It is important to note that alcohol cannot be sold between 2:00 am and 6:00 am anywhere in the state. These laws are controlled by the Idaho State Police Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Bureau, which handles everything related to alcohol, including selling, licensing, and producing.

While alcohol sales are prohibited on specific days and during certain hours in Idaho, there are exceptions and variations depending on the county and city. It is always a good idea to check the local laws and regulations to ensure compliance with the rules governing alcohol sales and consumption.

Local counties can permit sales on some of these days, except Christmas Day

Idaho has specific rules and regulations regarding alcohol, including the days and times it can be sold. While retailers are not allowed to sell alcohol on Sundays, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day, local counties can permit sales on some of these days, except Christmas Day. This means that while you may be able to buy beer on a Sunday in one county, another county may not permit this.

The Idaho State Police Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Bureau handles everything related to alcohol in the state, including selling, licensing, and producing. The ABC Bureau's website, liquor.idaho.gov, provides information on the state's liquor laws.

According to Idaho Code Section 23-927, local ordinances can allow the sale of liquor by the drink on Sundays, Memorial Day, and Thanksgiving. Additionally, counties can extend the hours of sale until 2 AM. However, Christmas Day is excluded from this provision, and liquor sales are not permitted on that day.

The laws regarding alcohol sales in Idaho vary from city to city, and it's important to check the local laws in your specific county or city to understand the regulations that apply to you.

Alcohol can be sold on election days

Idaho has a three-tier system for alcohol sales, with wholesalers or importers in the middle tier, who sell to distributors, who then sell to retailers. All alcohol sales must go through this system. The Idaho State Police Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Bureau handles everything related to alcohol in the state, including selling, licensing, and producing.

While retailers are not allowed to sell alcohol on Sundays, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day, local counties can permit the sale of liquor on some of those days, except Christmas Day. Alcohol can be sold on election days in Idaho.

The hours during which alcohol can be sold in Idaho are typically from 6 am to 1 am, although some cities may permit licensed establishments to sell until 2 am. Additionally, liquor must be locked up and kept in a separate room or cabinet from 1 am to 10 am on Sundays, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, and from 1 am to 10 am on any other day. However, on Sundays that are not holidays, license holders with banquet or meeting room facilities separate from the usual dispensing area can dispense liquor between 2 pm and 11 pm.

Beer and wine can be purchased at gas stations and grocery stores, provided they have the proper licensing.

Alcohol sales are prohibited between 2 am and 6 am

Idaho has a set of laws regarding the sale of alcohol, which are controlled by the Idaho State Police Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Bureau. These laws include the days and hours during which alcohol can be sold.

In addition to the restricted hours, there are also certain days when alcohol sales are prohibited in Idaho. Retailers are not allowed to sell alcohol on Sundays, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, or Christmas Day. However, local counties have the option to permit the sale of liquor on some of those days, except for Christmas Day. Alcohol can be sold on election days.

The hours when alcohol can be sold in Idaho are typically from 6 am to 1 am. However, some cities may have ordinances that allow licensed establishments to sell alcohol until 2 am. It is always a good idea to check the local laws in your specific area to understand the regulations that apply to your community.

Beer and wine are widely available in grocery stores and gas stations

When it comes to purchasing beer and wine, you can find them in most grocery stores and gas station convenience marts. Walmart, for example, sells alcohol from 6 am to 1 am. CVS also sells alcohol, but their hours may vary. Beer and wine can also be purchased at gas stations, as long as they hold the proper licensing and meet the requirements of the Idaho State Liquor Division.

If you're looking to buy liquor, the rules are a bit different. Hard liquor must be purchased at state-run liquor stores, and there are specific hours for sales. Liquor sales are typically allowed from 10 am to 1 am, and some cities may extend those hours until 2 am. On Christmas, liquor sales are prohibited, but on other holidays like Memorial Day and Thanksgiving, local ordinances may permit sales.

It's worth noting that Idaho has seen growth in spirits consumption in recent years, while wine and beer consumption have shown more modest changes. The state also controls the sale of distilled spirits, which means they also control the revenue generated from those sales.

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