Got booze? Boise could give special events more options for libations
Boise could make it easier to keep the booze flowing.
That’s because in January, Boise’s City Council approved a one-year pilot program to allow special events in city parks to serve alcohol. Think Treefort and Boise Pride, both of which in 2025 took advantage of the program, according to Andrea Cantor, policy adviser in the mayor’s office. The pilot is set to expire on Jan. 31.
Now, the Boise City Council is expected to vote on an ordinance making that permanent. The council on Tuesday advanced the measure from its first to second reading, with a vote expected after the third reading sometime in coming weeks.
That doesn’t mean it will happen. Even getting a pilot in place wasn’t smooth sailing. The council deadlocked 3-3, with Mayor Lauren McLean breaking the tie and voting to support the proposal.
“I think it’s fair to say it’s just another way that we’ve kind of stepped out of the way and allowed these businesses to make the choices that they need to, to operate the best way they can,” Cantor said during an October Boise City Council meeting.
Some council members were wary about potential problems from expanding to hard alcohol, according to previous Statesman reporting.
“Introducing liquor does increase the chance of overconsumption of alcohol, potentially leading to disruptive behavior, damage or conflicts,” Council Member Jordan Morales said at a previous meeting.
A special event refers to an occasion with more than 1,000 attendees that requires extensive planning and resources, Cantor said. The hard liquor options came in areas where beer and wine were already allowed with a permit, Cantor said.
The event organizers didn’t go crazy. For example, Boise Pride just used the beverages in their VIP tent, Cantor said.
Boise police saw no issues related to the liquor sales, Police Chief Chris Dennison told the City Council in October.
This story was originally published December 4, 2025 at 3:53 PM.
