Liquor Laws In Utah

For some reason, it is a common misconception that Utah is a "dry" (alcohol forbidden) state. This is simply not true. While the predominant religion ( The Mormon Church - or officially "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints" - sometimes called the LDS Church) forbids the drinking of alcohol by active members, many people in Utah are not members of that religion, and enjoy having a cocktail, glass of wine, or a beer as much as anyone anywhere. Just as is true of liquor laws in many provinces of Canada, there are some idiosyncracies to the Utah liquor laws which are worth becoming familiar with.

Only beer is sold in grocery stores (food markets). The beer sold in grocery stores has a lower percentage of alcohol than beer in most states.

Wine, liquor, and some beers are sold in Utah State Liquor Stores. And the liquor, beer, and wine sold in Utah State Liquor Stores is exactly the same percentage of alcohol or "proof" as the identical brand purchased anywhere else, but they are more heavily taxed than in surrounding states which prompts some people to purchase liquor in other states and bring it in to Utah. This is illlegal.

Utah State Liquor Stores can be found in almost every mid-sized town in Utah. They generally are open from about 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. although some are open later. They are closed on election days, state and national holidays, and Sundays.

In Utah, a "bar" usually sells only beer. A "private club" serves wine, beer, and cocktails. Bars and private clubs may be entered by anyone over 21 years old. Private clubs require memberships. Visitors may purchase two-week memberships for $5 by inquiring at the entrance to the club.

You may not drive or operate any motorized vehicle under the influence of alcohol. In Utah, the legal limit is a blood alcohol level of .05%.

You may not have an open container of alcohol in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

Restaurants with liquor licenses sell alcoholic beverages if accompanied by a meal eaten on the premises, but not for "take-out" orders. If you are unsure whether the restaurant has a liquor license, just ask. Some restaurants with liquor licenses will automatically provide a wine list, others don't. Again, just ask.

You may not bring your own bottle of beer, wine, or liquor into a restaurant.

Utah is the second "driest" state in terms of precipitation, but your visit to Utah need not be a "dry" one!

Please be safe and drink responsibly.