A county catering permit is required for events serving liquor, beer or wine in unincorporated parts of Ada County. Within city limits, individuals need to check with their City Clerk on the specific requirements.
As of January 1st, 2023, any catering permits submitted with incorrect information must resubmit a corrected permit and pay the processing fee again.
**Prior to submitting your catering permit, the venue should confirm with Development Services that they are an approved event center**
Complete and submit a Catering Permit Application
- Every license issued under the provisions of Title 23-934(A)(B)(C) is separate and distinct and no person except the licensee named shall exercise any of the privileges granted by such license. It’ s imperative that the applicant submitting a catering permit application is the licensee on record.
- Permit can only be exercised by the licensee.
- Permit cannot be used on an already licensed premises.
- Idaho Code Title 23- 934(A)(B)(C) authorizes a catering permit for up to 5 days to a beer, wine, or liquor license holder issued by the city or county (if outside an incorporated city limits) in which the festival or event will be held.
- Applications must be submitted and paid a minimum of two weeks prior to the event to ensure there is enough time for the Sheriff to review & sign for recommendation prior to the Ada County Commissioner’s meeting the following week. Any permit submitted that does not allow for the minimum 2-week processing time is not guaranteed for approval in time for the upcoming event. Once the Sheriff’s Office approves the application, it will be added to the commissioner meeting agenda by noon on Thursday for the following week. Please plan appropriately. All fees paid are non-refundable.
- Applications require the signature of the Ada County Sheriff; Ada County Recorder’s office will obtain the signature. Do not take the application to the Ada County Sheriff’s Office.
- If the commissioners approve your catering permit, the signed catering permit and conditions, determined by the Ada County Sheriff’s office, will be emailed to the email address provided on the permit application. The permit and conditions must be visibly posted at the event.
- Permits cost $20 per day, with a maximum of five consecutive days. All fees must be paid when you submit your application. These fees are non-refundable regardless of the catering permit being approved or denied.
- Applications must be submitted and paid a minimum of two weeks prior to the event to ensure there is enough time for the Sheriff to review & sign for recommendation prior to the Ada County Commissioner’s meeting the following week. Any permit submitted that does not allow for the minimum 2-week processing time is not guaranteed for approval in time for the upcoming event. Once the Sheriff’s Office approves the application, it will be added to the commissioner meeting agenda by noon on Thursday for the following week. Please plan appropriately. All fees paid are non-refundable.
Where to get a permit:
Download the catering permit application
Email the completed form [email protected]
- Upon receipt of your application, we will send you a link to pay by credit/debit card. There is a 3% plus $1 fee for all credit card transactions. If your application is received outside our normal business hours, the payment link will be sent out the next business day. Once we receive payment confirmation, our office will process the application. You can also walk-in or mail the completed catering permit and fees to the Ada County Recorder, 200 W. Front St., 1st floor, Boise, Idaho 83702.
- Please note that if you are using a license outside of Ada County you will need to provide a copy of the current State of Idaho license.