Idaho to stop enforcing booze restriction law

Businesses licensed to serve alcohol during live performances depicting sexual acts will no longer face consequences from Idaho State Police under a newly reached agreement.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Idaho, along with several other Boise attorneys representing artists and artistic venues, said Wednesday’s settlement of a lawsuit marks an end of censorship of art throughout Idaho.

A spokesman for Attorney General Lawrence Wasden says the agreement allows the state to uphold portions of the law that are constitutional.

The 28-page lawsuit, filed nearly two weeks ago, was filed on behalf of performance artist Anne McDonald, an art gallery and a repertory theater.

According to the complaint, two undercover ISP detectives were served alcohol while watching a burlesque show in March. The artists agreed to pay a fine and a short suspension to avoid having their liquor license revoked.