Mason Delacroix
Alcohol laws in Utah are some of the most restrictive in the United States. The Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services (UDABS), formerly known as the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (UDABC or DABC), has regulated the sale of alcoholic beverages since 1935, two years after the end of Prohibition. While the legal drinking age in the state is 21, Utah has unique aspects to its liquor laws, such as the difference between a bar and a restaurant, that set it apart from other states.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol laws | Some of the most restrictive in the United States |
| Legal drinking age | 21 |
| Government-controlled liquor operations | Yes |
| Control over wine | Yes |
| Control over beer higher than 5% ABV | Yes |
| Alcohol by volume percentage of beer served on draft and in grocery/convenience stores | 5% |
| Alcohol by weight limit on beer sold in grocery and convenience stores | 4% |
| Alcohol limit for operating a vehicle | 0.05% BAC |
| Zion curtains | Abolished in 2017 |
| "Intent to dine" requirement | Still prevalent in many Utah restaurants |
| Alcohol in limousines and charter buses | Allowed with certain restrictions |
| Alcohol in motor vehicles | Prohibited |
| Alcohol in golf carts | Prohibited |
| Alcohol in motor-assisted scooters | Prohibited |
| Alcohol in class 2 electric-assisted bicycles | Prohibited |
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What You'll Learn
Alcohol restrictions in restaurants
Alcohol laws in Utah are some of the most restrictive in the United States. The Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services (UDABS) has regulated the sale of alcoholic beverages since 1935, two years after the end of Prohibition.
Utah is one of seventeen control states, meaning the state has a monopoly over the wholesaling and/or retailing of some or all categories of alcoholic beverages. Current Utah law sets a limit of 4.0 percent alcohol by weight (5% ABV) in beer sold at grocery and convenience stores and at establishments operating under a "beer only" type license, such as taverns, beer bars and some restaurants. Beer over 4.0 percent by weight (5% ABV) is available in State Liquor Stores and Package Agencies and at clubs and restaurants licensed to sell liquor.
While restaurants can apply for a license to sell and serve liquor, wine, flavoured malt beverages, and heavy beer (over 4.0%), they are restricted in how and when they can serve alcohol. One such restriction is the "'intent to dine' law, which states that customers must order food with their alcoholic drinks. This law was relaxed slightly in 2013, when the Utah legislature passed a law allowing restaurant patrons to order alcohol before ordering food. Another restriction is that a guest of a restaurant may only have a certain amount of alcohol in front of them at one time: one and a half ounces of liquor in a cocktail, and a five-ounce glass of wine.
In 2017, a law was passed requiring restaurants with a full-service liquor license to hang a sign stating: "This premise is licensed as a RESTAURANT not a bar. This signage was approved by the alcoholic beverage commission". This law was later revoked in 2018.
In 2019, the alcohol by volume percentage of beer served on draft and in grocery and convenience stores was increased from 4% to 5%.
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Drinking and driving
Utah's drinking and driving laws are rigorously enforced, with the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services (UDABS), formerly known as the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (UDABC or DABC), regulating the sale and consumption of alcohol since 1935. The state also has a unique system of liquor licensing, with restaurants and bars requiring specific licenses to sell alcohol and facing restrictions on how and when they can serve it. One such restriction is the ""intent to dine" law, which requires customers to order food with their alcoholic beverages. This law has been a source of contention for restaurant owners, who find it awkward and confusing for customers.
To further combat drinking and driving, Utah has implemented laws that prohibit drinking alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles, including golf carts, motor vehicles, motor-assisted scooters, and class 2 electric-assisted bicycles. These laws extend to passengers in the vehicle, with open containers of alcohol also prohibited in the passenger compartment. The state also takes a hard line on intoxication in public, with laws in place to prevent intoxicated individuals from endangering themselves or others.
Utah's drinking and driving laws are part of a broader effort to modernise the state's liquor laws while still maintaining strict control over alcohol sales and consumption. While the state has made strides toward easing restrictions, such as the 2019 law allowing easier access to higher-percentage beer, it continues to face challenges in balancing the interests of various stakeholders, including restaurant owners, consumers, and those seeking to protect children from exposure to alcohol. Overall, Utah's drinking and driving laws reflect a comprehensive approach to addressing the issue, with strict enforcement and unique regulatory measures in place.
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Alcohol sale regulations
The state of Utah has some of the most restrictive alcohol laws in the United States. The Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services (UDABS), formerly known as the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (UDABC or DABC), has regulated the sale of alcoholic beverages since 1935, two years after the end of Prohibition.
Utah is one of 17 control states, meaning the state has a monopoly over the wholesaling and/or retailing of some or all categories of alcoholic beverages. Only adults of legal age (21) can order and consume beer, wine, and hard liquor at bars, pubs, and restaurants. Beer over 4.0% alcohol by weight (5% ABV) is available in state liquor stores, package agencies, clubs, and restaurants licensed to sell liquor. Licensed distilleries in Utah can also sell their products directly to consumers, including on Sundays when state-operated liquor stores are closed.
In 2013, the Utah legislature passed a law allowing restaurant patrons to order alcohol before ordering food. However, the "'intent to dine' law still requires customers to have the intention to dine when ordering an alcoholic drink. Restaurants with limited licenses may not sell flavored malt beverages or distilled spirits, and they are restricted in how and when they can serve alcohol. For example, they may be required to post conspicuous signs stating, "This premise is licensed as a restaurant, not a bar," and vice versa for bars.
It is illegal to bring alcohol into Utah from another state or to receive it through the mail. Alcoholic beverages can be consumed in limousines and charter buses, but not in golf carts, motor vehicles, motor-assisted scooters, or class 2 electric-assisted bicycles. Utah consumers cannot join wine-of-the-month clubs, as the state prohibits direct-to-consumer alcohol sales to homes or offices. Utah is also the only state where an adult can be charged with a felony for shipping alcohol.
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Alcohol consumption age
Alcohol consumption laws in Utah are some of the most restrictive in the United States. A person must be 21 years old or older to buy or consume alcohol in the state. This rule applies to taverns, private clubs, restaurants, and everywhere else. The Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services (UDABS/DABS), formerly known as the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (UDABC/DABC), has regulated the sale of alcoholic beverages since 1935, two years after the end of Prohibition.
Utah is one of seventeen control states, meaning the state has a monopoly over the wholesaling and/or retailing of some or all categories of alcoholic beverages. Current Utah law sets a limit of 4.0 percent alcohol by weight (5% ABV) in beer sold at grocery and convenience stores and at establishments operating under a "beer only" type license, such as taverns, beer bars, and some restaurants. Beer over 4.0 percent by weight (5% ABV) is available in state liquor stores and package agencies and at clubs and restaurants licensed to sell liquor. Liquor stores are the only places consumers can buy vodka, whiskey, rum, and other distilled spirits. They are also the only places to buy wine or beer that is higher than 5% ABV, with the exception of licensed distilleries, which can sell their products directly to consumers.
In 2019, Utah's alcohol weight limit on beer sold in grocery and convenience stores was raised from 3.2% to 4% (or 5% by volume). This change allowed for a much wider variety of beers to be sold in local stores. Utah is also one of the few states that prohibit direct-to-consumer alcohol sales to homes or offices. It is the only state in which an adult can be charged with a felony for shipping alcohol.
Utah has unique liquor laws that differentiate between bars and restaurants. Beer, liquor, and wine can be ordered in a restaurant from 11:30 a.m., but restaurants are restricted in how and when they can serve alcohol. One such restriction is the ""intent to dine" law, which requires customers to order food with their alcoholic beverages. In 2013, the Utah legislature passed a law allowing restaurant patrons to order alcohol before ordering food after a controversial series of citations were issued to several restaurants. However, this law was later changed, and as of 2021, guests are once again required to order food with their alcoholic beverages in restaurants.
Bars in Utah must display conspicuous signs stating, "This is a bar" and "No one under 21 is allowed." These signs must be at least 8.5 inches long and 11 inches wide and are posted at the entrance. No one under 21 is allowed in an establishment licensed as a bar, and all adults must show ID when heading to a bar in Utah.
Utah has made strides to modernize its liquor laws in recent years, but some unique aspects remain. For example, from 2010 to 2013, Utah had a law requiring bars and restaurants to have "Zion Curtains," partitions separating bartenders preparing drinks from customers. The theory behind this law was that it would prevent children from wanting to drink alcohol after seeing the bottles. This law was replaced by the "Zion Moat" in 2017, which prevents anyone under 21 from being seated within 10 feet of the drink preparation area.
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Marijuana laws
In March 2018, the Utah legislature revamped a bill, removing the requirement for restaurants to use "not a bar" signs. The bill also allowed patrons to order alcohol before ordering food. However, the state's alcohol laws are still considered restrictive. For instance, Utah is one of 18 control states, meaning the state has a monopoly over the wholesaling and retailing of alcoholic beverages. Beer with an alcohol content of over 4% is only available in state liquor stores and specific licensed restaurants and clubs.
Utah's marijuana laws are also strict. Marijuana is not completely illegal in Utah, but it is restricted. Possession of marijuana without a medical card is illegal, and possession of less than one ounce is punishable by up to a year in prison and a $2,500 fine. However, the state has passed a low-THC law, allowing the use of cannabis extracts that are high in CBD and low in THC for medical purposes. To obtain a medical cannabis patient card, one must be at least 21 years old and have a recommendation from a medical provider.
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Frequently asked questions
A person must be 21 or older to buy or consume alcohol in Utah.
Yes, always carry a valid ID when heading to a bar in Utah.
No, it is illegal to drink alcohol in a motor vehicle in Utah.
No, it is illegal to bring your own alcohol to a restaurant in Utah.
No, you must order food with your alcoholic beverage. However, there is no requirement for how much food you must order.
