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What is a Bar Card in Idaho?

A bar card or alcohol seller certificate verifies that you’ve completed an alcohol server/seller training program, such as the one we provide at Learn2Serve by 360training.

Does Idaho law require an Alcohol Server License?

It depends on the jurisdiction where you work.

It's recommended but not required by the state of Idaho. However, individual municipalities like Boise and Meridian do require training. You should check with your city/county or employer to make sure you comply with local regulations.

The city of Boise requires alcohol server training for anyone serving or selling any alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption, like wait staff and bartenders, as well as their managers. You must take training from a Boise-approved training provider.

The city of Meridian also requires alcohol server training certification under Meridian City Code, Title 3, Chapter 2. Anyone serving or selling alcohol (or managing those that do) at an on-premises establishment like a restaurant or bar needs to complete a Meridian-approved server training program within 30 days of beginning employment. That includes our course at Learn2Serve by 360training.

Please note: Learn2Serve is recognized by the city of Meridian but is NOT valid in Boise. Find a Boise-approved vendor for licensing in that city.

How long does a Bartender License last?

Where it's required, it varies by jurisdiction. Check with your employer or local licensing authority.

In the rest of Idaho, regular refreshers every 2-3 years are the best way to keep your knowledge up to date.

Why should I take Idaho alcohol server training?

If you live in a jurisdiction like Boise or Meridian, alcohol server training is required.

Even if it's not required, employers may require or prefer that you complete training, so having server certification can make it easier to find a job. Employers like certified staff because your training reduces the risk that you'll violate liquor laws and cause fines or license suspensions.

For example, the Idaho Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) enforces penalties for underage drinking. Even first offenses can result in your establishment's license being suspended for 5-10 days. That can be a huge blow to your employer's income, so they prefer you have the knowledge to avoid the mistake in the first place.

Additionally, Idaho's Dram Shop law means your employer can be held civilly liable if you sell to a minor or intoxicated person and they injure or kill a third party.

It's something to take seriously because the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 712 people killed in crashes involving a drunk driver in Idaho from 2003 to 2012. When you take into account population size, that's actually higher than the national average.

Being properly trained in safe and legal alcohol service can not only reduce the risk to yourself and your employer, but it can also reduce the risks of anyone driving on Idaho roads.

What jobs can I get with my alcohol seller training?

Alcohol seller-server certificate makes you an attractive candidate in many types of establishments, like:

  • Bars and taverns
  • Restaurants
  • Convenience stores
  • Grocery stores
  • Liquor stores
  • And more…

And if you’re curious about how much money you can expect to make, here is some basic wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for bartenders and barbacks in Idaho.

Job Title Average Hourly Wage Average Yearly Wage
Bartender $11.02 $22,920
Bartender Helper (Barback) $9.53 $19,820

However, if you are in the top 90th percentile of bartenders, you can make much more money: $20.62 an hour.

Where can I get more information about alcohol training in Idaho?

You can find more about alcohol sales in Idaho on the Idaho ABC’s website, including:

  • Idaho alcoholic beverage statutes and administrative rules
  • ABC license and permit verification
  • Information on new driver's licenses and ID cards
  • Price posting

If you are looking for more course-specific information from us check out our Idaho alcohol server training.

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