Spokane7
39°
Here’s a news item from AP: “A push to reform Idaho’s liquor
license system that now doles out permits based on population-based quotas has
won a Senate hearing, but some lawmakers fear time may be running out for such
a complicated — and controversial — bill. The measure, supported by Idaho
Licensed Beverage Association leaders and Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter,
would let cities and counties issue unlimited new licenses, but only to
businesses with restaurant or hotels. Owners of some 1,000 existing licenses would
receive special treatment to preserve their value, like 10 percent discounts,
cheaper relicensing and transferability almost anywhere in
The bill was up for introduction this morning in the Senate State Affairs Committee; it’s something Otter has long wanted to accomplish. Last week, he told the Idaho Press Club that locals should make decisions about liquor licenses. “Why they should have to come to me in Boise to get a liquor license in Ketchum always escaped me,” the governor said.
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wheels on March 11 at 3:35 p.m.
The concept has some merit but needs considerable tweeking, least of which is protection for current license holders who paid a considerable amount for theirs.Not nearly enough time left to pass this one.