You may have heard that Utah has rather strict and unusual liquor laws. And while there is some truth to these rumours, the most inconvenient and bizarre of these rules have been abolished. Longtime residents and visitors will remember the days of the private club—when Utah bars were required to charge a cover or membership fee. Fortunately, these types of organizations are no longer required.
Today in Utah, food and beverage establishments are classified as either restaurants, bars, clubs, State Liquor Stores or grocery stores. While the liquor laws have become less stringent, these companies are required to follow specific alcohol-related rules in order to maintain their business and liquor licenses.
ALL ACROSS UTAH
To begin with, the legal drinking age in Utah is 21 years or older and a valid ID is required to purchase and/or consume alcohol. Regardless of your age or appearance, all establishments must check the ID for every customer purchasing alcohol.
Bartenders are required by state law to limit the amount of hard liquor in mixed drinks to 2.5 ounces total. Additionally, individuals can only buy beer, wine and spirits one drink at a time. This means pitchers and bottles of wine may only be served to 2 or more patrons.
Local Insight: Yes, you can buy beer in Utah that’s over 3.2% alcohol by volume (ABV). Starting in November 2019, a new bill replaced the 86-year-old law stating that 3.2% beer was the alcohol limit for brewing.
RESTAURANTS
Nearly every sit-down restaurant in Park City has a liquor license and offers a drink menu. However, alcoholic beverages can only be served with food. Restaurants can serve draft beer up to 5% and higher alcohol by volume (ABV) beers from the can or bottle.
What to Know: As long as a patron has “the intent to order food,” alcoholic drinks can be ordered and served.
BARS, CLUBS, SALOONS
Customers under 21 years of age are not allowed in any establishment classified as a bar or club. However, if you are of legal age you are free to walk-in and have a drink without needing to order food. Last call for alcohol is generally 1:00 am, and bars must close by 2:00 am.
GROCERY, CONVENIENCE and BIG-BOX STORES
Unlike most states, grocery stores, convenience stores, and warehouse locations, like Costco and Sam’s Club, are not permitted to sell wine or spirits. However, they are allowed to sell beer and wine coolers below 5% ABV seven days a week.
Park City has several grocery stores and 7-11’s that sell beer and wine coolers seven days a week. These include Fresh Market, Macey’s, Smiths, The Market, and Whole Foods.
STATE LIQUOR STORES
If you’re shopping for higher ABV beer, wine, spirits, and liquor, you will find a full line of alcoholic beverages at the state liquor stores around town.
DABS State Liquor Store #37 is located in Kimball Junction at 1612 Ute Blvd and is open Monday - Saturday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.
DABS State Liquor Store #38****** is located in Park City proper at 1550 Snow Creek Drive and is open Monday - Saturday from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.
DABS State Liquor Store #36**** is a smaller location on Main Street and is open Monday - Saturday from Noon to 8:00 pm.
The Marketplace & Liquor Store**** offers a limited selection of wines and spirits and is located at Canyons Village at 3000 Canyons Resort Drive.
What to Know: All Utah liquor stores are closed on Sundays and on all state and federal holidays
Local Insight: You can also find limited-production wine, beer and liquor at specialty wine state stores in Salt Lake City.
