About Us

The mission of the Idaho State Liquor Division is to provide control over the importation, distribution, sale, and consumption of distilled spirits; curtail intemperate use of beverage alcohol; and responsibly optimize the net revenues to the citizens of Idaho.

ISLD Net Revenue to Idaho

$118 Million Given Back to Idaho in 2024.
From 2014 through 2024, the Idaho State Liquor Division has contributed $998 million to the state, cities, and counties. We expect to distribute $606 million over the next 5 years.

Distribution

Distilled spirits are only sold in state-operated liquor stores and contract retail stores that are authorized by the ISLD. The ISLD ships to all retail stores (state-run and contractors) via a third party contract carrier. Bars and restaurants purchase distilled spirits from the State’s retail stores. Generally, they pick up their orders, but delivery is not prohibited. The ISLD does not have oversight of beer and wine. Beer and wine are handled through private distributors who generally deliver products to the retailers.

Benefits of the Three-Tier System

The 21st Amendment to the Constitution of the United States ended Prohibition. States were granted the authority to regulate beverage alcohol. The Three-Tier System provides for safe alcohol to the consumer and simple collection of tax revenue

Regulatory - Each tier becomes responsible for ensuring that the laws and regulations set forward by the government are executed
Public Health - The Three-Tier System stops large companies from increasing alcohol sales through aggressive practices.
Economic - The tax money provided by the system goes to education, infrastructure, and other areas that benefit all citizens.
Commercial - Rather than be dwarfed by larger competitors, smaller manufactures receive greater opportunities.

The ISLD in Action

The ISLD recognizes a strong need for resources from agencies and coalitions throughout the state who are implementing various educational programs in our communities. To help with this need, a NABCA Education Award has been granted the past two years to the Idaho State Liquor Division to develop and implement an Alcohol Education Mini-Grant Program. Agencies and coalitions in the state of Idaho are eligible to apply for a resource request that does not exceed $10,000.

2024-2025 ISLD Educational Mini Grant Recipients

Upriver Youth Leadership Council - Virtual Reality (VR) Alcohol Awareness Program
Salmon Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition - “Every 30 Minutes” Underage Drinking Project and Media Campaign
Boise Police Department - SureScan ID authentication renewal and BrAC measurement devices
Insight Matters, Inc. - Parent Prevention Resource Packet
Canyon Springs Alternative School - Alcohol Awareness Campaign
Boise State University - Wellness Services Alcohol Use Screening Days
Idaho Drug Free Youth - 2024 Idaho Youth Summit (IYS)
City of Caldwell - “Say No to Underage Drinking” Campaign
Kootenai County Substance Abuse Council - My Choice program and Lunch & Learn sessions
Idaho State Police - Education and Enforcement Efforts through ISP/ABC
Idaho Office of Drug Policy - Sticker Shock Campaign
Idaho Department of Education - Idaho Prevention and Support Conference

The ISLD also continues to partner by volunteering and providing financial support to the Northwest Alcohol Conference, the Idaho Department of Education Prevention Conference, and to various programs with the Alcohol Beverage Control Bureau within the Idaho State Police.