An eastern Idaho lawmaker says many restaurants in tiny resort cities like Driggs are suffering because they can't sell cocktails.
Republican Rep. Marc Gibbs of Grace began his bid to change that Tuesday, convincing the House State Affairs Committee to at least consider his bill to loosen up alcohol rules governing eateries in tourist towns.
Currently, Idaho allows just two liquor licenses in the 1,600-soul Driggs, below the Grand Targhee ski resort.
According to Gibbs' bill, restaurants in Driggs and other Idaho resort towns that derive 60 percent of revenue from food could get a license allowing them to sell margaritas and other cocktails, but only when meals are served.
Gibbs acknowledges his bill faces stiff resistance in temperance minded-Idaho, where many lawmakers worry about increasing the availability of alcohol.