Serving alcohol in Utah shouldn’t be taken lightly. After all, liquor laws in Utah have been modernized in recent years, with patrons no longer needing a “private club membership” to enter bars. Some laws are similar to laws in other states (e.g., the minimum drinking age being 21), but others are unique to Utah and require further explanation.
Here are three alcohol laws in Utah that you need to know.
1. Alcohol can be ordered in restaurants from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
According to the Utah Travel Industry Website, “one of the biggest wrinkles in Utah liquor laws is the difference between a bar and a restaurant.” While alcohol can be ordered in a restaurant in the above time frame, it must be ordered with food. This may seem like a hassle to tourists, but citizens of Utah have gotten used to it. You can just order a side of chips with your beer, liquor or wine, for example. But if you’re in a restaurant, you can only get served in these hours.
2. Bars can only serve draft beer up to 5% alcohol by volume (ABV).
You won’t find alcohol higher than this percentage on draft at bars, restaurants and taverns in Utah. While higher percentages can be sold from the can or bottle, this limit is strict for draft beer. Also, according to the Utah Office of Tourism, “you can only buy beer and spirits one drink at a time, so that means no pitchers of beer or your favorite adult beverage. You can purchase wine by the glass or the bottle.” The same rules for draft beer apply to restaurants as well.
3. You can’t sell liquor and wine at grocery stores.
One law that differs from other states is that you can only buy beer at grocery stores. Liquor and wine sales are limited to state liquor stores. The ABV for beer that can be sold in stores has increased from 4% to 5% recently, however, which has allowed for a larger variety of beer options. But you’ll have to visit a state-run store for a bottle of wine or liquor.
These are just a few laws and regulations related to alcohol that you need to be aware of in Utah. If you’re in a role where you serve alcohol, sign up for an alcohol seller certification course from American Course Academy today.
