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Bill

H 330

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES – Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding movie theaters and the sale of beer and wine.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill 330 allows under-21s to attend movie theaters serving beer and wine in historic buildings, expanding entertainment options while regulating alcohol sales.

Reported Signed by Governor on March 27, 2025 Session Law Chapter 189 Effective: 07/01/2025
#entertainment #liquor #moviesandtheaters
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 330

Summary of House Bill 330 (H 330)

Title

Alcoholic Beverages – Amends existing law to revise provisions regarding movie theaters and the sale of beer and wine.

Status

  • Reported Signed by Governor: March 27, 2025
  • Session Law Chapter: 189
  • Effective Date: July 1, 2025

Introduction

  • Introduced on: February 25, 2025
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject Areas: Entertainment, Liquor, Movies and Theaters

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 330 aims to amend existing Idaho laws concerning the sale of alcoholic beverages in movie theaters, particularly focusing on historic theaters. The bill recognizes the evolving use of historic buildings and seeks to allow individuals under the age of 21 to attend theaters that serve beer and wine, provided they are located in buildings listed on the national register of historic places.

Key Provisions

  1. Amendment of Idaho Code Sections:

    • Section 23-944: This section is amended to permit individuals under 21 years of age to enter and remain in movie theaters that serve beer and wine, provided these theaters are located in buildings that are:
      • Registered as historic places.
      • Built prior to January 1, 1950.
    • The bill clarifies that while underage individuals can attend these theaters, they are not permitted to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages.

  2. Licensing Changes:

    • Section 23-1010: The application process for a state license to sell beer at retail is revised to include specific provisions for theaters that meet the criteria outlined in Section 23-944. This includes a requirement for applicants to indicate if they are applying for a theater located in a historic building.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:

    • Theaters: Historic theaters that have been remodeled and are currently serving as movie theaters will benefit from this legislation, as it allows them to attract a younger audience without compromising alcohol sales regulations.
    • Underage Individuals: This bill allows those under 21 to enjoy movie screenings in historic theaters, expanding their entertainment options.

  • Fiscal Impact:

    • The legislation is noted to have no fiscal impact on state or local governments, meaning it does not result in additional expenditures or changes in revenue.

Procedural Timeline

  • February 25, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the State Affairs Committee.
  • March 3, 2025: Reported out of committee with a "Do Pass" recommendation.
  • March 5, 2025: Passed in the House with a vote of 67-3.
  • March 19, 2025: Passed in the Senate and returned to the House.
  • March 27, 2025: Signed by the Governor and became law.

Conclusion

House Bill 330 represents a significant update to Idaho's liquor laws as they pertain to historic movie theaters. By allowing underage individuals to attend screenings in these venues, the bill aims to promote cultural engagement while maintaining strict regulations on alcohol consumption. The effective date of July 1, 2025, provides a timeline for theaters to adjust to these new provisions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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