Idaho Alcoholic Beverage Market: Regulations, Statistics, Trends, and Wholesalers

Idaho presents a unique hybrid approach to alcohol control that sets it apart from traditional control states. While classified as a control state, Idaho operates a nuanced system where the state controls the sale of higher-proof spirits through state-operated stores, but allows private distribution for wine (16% ABV and under), low-proof spirits (14% ABV and under), and malt beverages. This creates a dual-track marketplace that requires suppliers to navigate both state-controlled and private distribution channels depending on their product’s alcohol content.

Idaho had an approximate population of 1.9 million people in 2023, with 1.4 million within the legal drinking age bracket. The state’s alcohol industry features a diverse production landscape with 30 distilleries, 100 breweries, and over 60 wineries contributing to the market’s vibrancy and variety.

Another distinctive feature of Idaho’s regulatory framework is its “quota” system for liquor-by-the-drink licenses, where the number of available licenses in each city is tied to its population. This creates scarcity and makes licenses particularly valuable in rapidly growing communities, adding a unique economic dynamic to the hospitality industry.

We’ve prepared a guide to the Idaho market, which covers the following topics:

• Consumption trends
• The most popular alcohol categories
• Local guidelines

If you need help establishing your presence in Idaho, provide your information below, and we’ll contact you to share more on how we can help.

Consumption Trends In Idaho

Idaho has seen a lot of growth in recent years with regard to spirits consumption. Over the five year period from 2019-2023 there’s been a +3.93% CAGR for spirits, while wine and beer have seen contractions of -1.71% and -2.75%, respectively.

Idaho Spirits Consumption from 2019-2023 by 9-Liter Cases

Idaho Wine Consumption from 2019-2023 by 9-Liter Cases

Idaho Beer Consumption from 2019-2023 by 9-Liter Cases

Idaho State Alcohol Licensing

Idaho operates as a control state with the Idaho State Liquor Division overseeing all aspects of the industry, including licensing, enforcement, and regulatory compliance. Idaho is not a franchise state, providing more flexibility in supplier-distributor relationships for products sold through private channels.

Common Licenses for Manufacturers in Idaho

Spirits

• Manufacturer/Distillery License – Permits the production of distilled spirits. The application requires submission of your federal DSP permit number and other relevant documentation.

Wine

• Winery License – Required for producing wine in Idaho, obtained from the Idaho State Police Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Division. Additional tax permits are also required.

Beer

• Beer Manufacturer License – Permits the production of beer. The application requires submission of your federal Brewer’s Notice and other relevant documentation.

Idaho State Alcohol Regulations

Out-of-State Brand Requirements

Spirits

• Supplier Representative Permit – Required for all supplier representatives to conduct business at Idaho liquor stores or distribution stations, with an annual fee of $50.

Wine

• Direct Shipper Permit – Required for wineries shipping directly to consumers.
• Importer and Distributor Licenses – Required for wholesale distribution.

Beer

• Certificate of Approval – Required to sell beer for resale or consumption in Idaho. All beer must be sold to Idaho-licensed wholesalers; direct sales to retailers or consumers are not permitted for out-of-state breweries.

Price Posting in Idaho

Prices must be submitted on quotation forms, one form per brand/type. The Division requires sixty days notification of price changes. Price changes may be made only four times a year, effective on the following dates: February 1, May 1, August 1, November 1.

Direct-to-Consumer Sales and Delivery

Wine

• In order to ship wine directly to consumers of legal drinking age residing in Idaho, any holder of a winery license under Idaho law or any holder of a license to manufacture wine in another state must first obtain a Wine Tax and Seller’s Permit and a Wine Direct Shipper Permit.

Spirits

• Direct shipment of distilled spirits to consumers or Idaho retail licensees is not permitted.
• Licensed distilleries may apply for a distillery distributing station license that allows them to sell liquor manufactured by the licensee to customers on the premises of the distillery.

Beer

• Direct shipment of malt beverages to consumers or Idaho retail licensees is not permitted.
• Licensed brewers and brewpubs producing fewer than 30,000 barrels annually may pay for a retailer’s license for the retail sale of their products at the licensed premises or one remote retail location or both.

Idaho Spirits Volume Sales By Category – 2023 Data

Spirit trends in Idaho by volume and dollar sales in 2023.

Source: Beverage Information Group

Idaho Wine Volume Sales By Category – 2023 Data

See below for the wine trends in Idaho by volume sales in 2023.

Source: Beverage Information Group

Idaho Beer Volume Sales By Category – 2023 Data

See below for the beer trends in Idaho by volume sales in 2023.

Source: Beverage Information Group

Selling Alcohol In Idaho

In the state of Idaho, all th alcohol is controlled by the Idaho State Police Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Bureau. They handle everything related to alcohol including selling, licensing, producing and more. If you’re interested in checking out all the liquor laws in Idaho, you can visit liquor.idaho.gov to view everything.

If you’re looking to sell alcoholic beverages in Idaho, then you absolutely need to know the rules and regulations. We’ve provided answers to a few of the most frequently asked questions related to the sale of alcohol in the state, then see below. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, please reach out to us.

FAQs on Idaho Beer, Wine & Spirits Sales

Buying Alcohol In Idaho – Hours, Locations & Taxes

The laws for buying alcohol may vary in Idaho from city to city. That said, statewide laws to exist. If you’re interested in learning them, please see below for more information as we answer the most common questions we’re asked about buying beer, wine, and spirits in Idaho.

FAQs on Buying Beer, Wine & Liquor in Idaho