Want bottomless mimosas, Boise? You might have to start going to Meridian
Looking for another reason to partake in dry January? Boise officials have reminded local businesses that bottomless mimosas and other unlimited-drink deals are prohibited in the city.
Boise Police Department spokesperson Haley Williams told the Idaho Statesman in an email that the city of Boise’s code compliance team reached out to all businesses licensed to sell alcohol ahead of the holiday season with a few reminders.
So if you were lucky enough to have a bunch of drinks for one price at brunch over the holidays? Yep, it’s technically illegal for an establishment to do that.
“It has been observed that some businesses are advertising bottomless mimosas and/or the sale of breakfast cocktails with liquor, such as a ‘Bloody Mary’ prior to the time allowed, which can result in administrative license violations,” read the letter, provided by BPD to the Statesman.
“Please be aware that this practice is not permitted in the City of Boise and must be discontinued.”
The letter cited Boise City Code, which prohibits selling or advertising unlimited alcoholic drinks for a single price. Idaho code also limits the sale of beer, wine and low-proof spirits until after 6 a.m., and liquor drinks until after 10 a.m.
Surprised? Williams emphasized that there haven’t been any changes to city or state law since the letter was sent on Dec. 18 and said the Boise code was “not new.”
A city spokesperson confirmed that the law has been on the books since 1952.
Still, at least one downtown business was apparently caught flat-footed on New Year’s Eve, when local and state law enforcement learned of a ticketed event with an all-you-can-drink open bar and “Full Casino Gaming” that included prize payouts, according to police.
The Idaho State Police Alcohol Beverage Control division, in conjunction with Boise police and Idaho Lottery Enforcement officers, conducted an “enforcement operation” at that bar, according to a statement from Idaho State Police Detective Jeff Rodean.
Rodean said they received complaints from residents and nearby businesses, and upon arrival, found “several alcohol-related violations.”
“The investigation is ongoing with a goal of achieving compliance through fair business practices that align with the Idaho Constitution and Idaho Liquor Laws, in turn creating safer communities for all,” Rodean said.
Williams noted that no citations were issued, administrative license violations brought or charges pursued. She also declined to name the bar.
However, online accounts on Reddit and elsewhere referenced law enforcement activity at the speakeasy Gatsby. That bar had advertised all-inclusive tickets to a New Year’s Eve event, according to a BoiseDev story, but the ad is no longer available on the bar’s website.
Williams said that “there may be more information coming out about this investigation if and when there are charges or citations or administrative license violations. At that time the people or businesses receiving those violations will be named.”
Will Primavera, Gatsby co-owner, did not respond to requests from the Statesman for comment.
What about your favorite bottomless-mimosa brunch spot in Boise?
Asked whether businesses could expect a crackdown on enforcement, Williams said that the letter was sent because of “recent advertisements” violating rules, and that code compliance officials and BPD would “make attempts to educate and inform before taking further actions.”
In the meantime, thirsty patrons might start looking elsewhere in the Treasure Valley — such as Meridian, where a police spokesperson said there are no city laws specifically addressing bottomless mimosa deals.
ISP Capt. Rocky Gripton, who heads the ABC division, told the Statesman in an email that there is no state code prohibiting the advertising, sale or consumption of “unlimited” drinks in exchange for a ticketed price. Alcohol license holders are simply bound by city and county laws as well.
This story was originally published January 7, 2026 at 3:08 PM.
