Bars continue opening in Idaho Falls

A brand new bar opened in Idaho Falls on Monday.

One16 Sports Bar and Grill is the latest in a recent surge in bar openings in and around the city, which could be because it’s easier to own a bar in Idaho Falls than in years past.

“This town needs some fun! Sorry, but it does,” said Queenie Linderman, who owns One16.

Linderman has owned multiple bars in Idaho Falls decades ago, including Queenie’s Classic and the Company Club.

One16 is the sixth venue to be granted a liquor license in Idaho Falls this year.

Monday’s opening comes on the heels of The Celt, an Irish pub which opened its doors in August.

The new nightlife trend seems to be no coincidence. Bars in Idaho Falls have been opening in greater numbers since 2010, when the city began allowing the sale of alcohol on Sundays.

We contacted Idaho Falls city councimember Thomas Hally over the phone. He said that since Idaho Falls sits so close to popular tourist destinations — like Jackson Hole and Yellowstone National Park — restaurant owners thought that if anyone were to pass through the city on a weekend, they should be able to enjoy a glass of wine.

According to the Idaho Falls Police Department, there has been no increase in DUI offenses since the liquor laws became more lenient in 2010.