Bartending License Requirements for Idaho

Bartenders and servers in the state of Idaho are not required to be certified in order to sell or serve alcohol. With that being said, it is important to note that certain Idaho counties do require bartenders and servers to be licensed.

For example, the cities of Boise and Meridian require all servers and sellers of alcohol to obtain a bartending license via an approved training provider.

Below, we will go through which jurisdictions require bartenders and servers to be certified as well as provide a list of state-approved course providers.

Boise City Bartending License Requirements

In the city of Boise, bartenders are required obtain a bartending license from an approved training provider within sixty (60) days of employment. Furthermore, the license must stay up to date throughout the entire employment period and you must be able to show proof of current certification when asked by law enforcement.

Work at a club? In that case not only do you have to be licensed, but so does your manager.

Boise Approved Bartending License Training Programs

The following server training programs have been approved by the City of Boise:

• TIPS (BLH suggestion)
• ServSafe Alcohol
• SureSellNow
• A+ Server Education

A full list of training providers can also be found on the City of Boise government website here.

Meridian City Bartending License Requirements

Bartenders and servers in Meridian are required to be certified within the first thirty (30) days of employment. Furthermore, bartenders must keep up to date credentials of such certification and be able to produce them on request from law enforcement.

If you violate any of the above rules, you may be found guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine of $1,000 or six months imprisonment. Ouch.

Meridian Approved Bartending License Training Programs

The following server training programs have been approved by the Meridian City:

• TIPS (BLH suggestion)
• ServSafe
• Gem State Justice

A full list of training providers can also be found on the City of Meridian government website here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Additional information

The state of Idaho provides a free, online Alcohol Awareness Certification with videos here. But please note, this training may or may not qualify with an employer’s city ordinance as an approved certification.

For more information, please contact your local City Clerk’s office.