Utah Liquor Laws
I'm so confused?!
It's okay. Many folks are confused about Utah
Liquor Laws, even us locals.
Here's the good news: No, we're not a dry state.
Park City is as wet as can be some nights. But there are some laws that you may
not be used to.
But hey, there's plenty of other places in the
U.S. that are just as weird, for example - Moore County, Tennessee - where Jack
Daniels is produced - is a dry county. Talk about teasing the local drunk!
Now let's clear up all this confusion regarding
Utah Liquor Laws....
Private ClubsIf you
want to go somewhere just to drink liquor (mixed drinks, hard liquor, etc.) and
not have to order food too, you will likely have to go to a private club.
In
private clubs, liquor, wine, heavy beer, and beer may be served from 10:00 a.m.
to 1:00 a.m. Clubs sell alcoholic beverages with or without food, and patrons
may be served at a bar or table.
Most
clubs offer temporary "visitor card" memberships for a nominal fee (usually $4
for three weeks). The visitor card allows the visitor and up to seven of his/her
guests to use the club. Annual memberships may also be purchased.
FYI:
State laws requires you to be charged for 2 drinks if you order a double or
sidecar, not just be charged for a drink and a shot.
Beer
Establishments
The only
other place where you can be served alcohol without ordering food are beer
establishments (taverns, lounges, bowling alleys, etc.) where the maximum
alcohol content of the beer is 4.0% by volume (3.2% by weight).
Restaurants
Restaurants play by yet another set of rules.
In
restaurants with full service liquor licenses, liquor, wine and heavy
beer (over 3.2%) may be served from noon to midnight. Beer (3.2%) is available
from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Patrons must be dining in the
restaurant in order to be served an alcoholic beverage. Patrons may be served at
their table or in a waiting area.
In
restaurants with limited service liquor licenses, wine, and heavy beer
(over 3.2%) may be served from noon to midnight. Beer (3.2%) is available from
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Limited restaurant licenses may not sell distilled
spirits.
FYI:
You cannot order a double or sidecar in restaurants.
Beer
Beer with
an alcoholic content of 3.2% or less can be purchased at grocery, convenience
stores, and restaurants with beer licenses. Full-strength beers (>3.2%) can only
be purchased at state liquor stores, in private clubs and restaurants with
liquor licenses.
Wine
and Liquor
Wine and
Liquor can only be purchased at state liquor stores, private clubs and
restaurants with liquor licenses.
Fun
Utah Liquor Law Facts?!
The Utah
State Legislature in March, 2008 made some changes to the state's liquor laws.
One ounce meter dispensing increased to 1.5 ounces, and one mixed drink total
liquor amount decreased from 2.75 to 2.5 ounces. Also, flavored malt beverages,
like Mike’s Hard Lemonade and wine coolers are no longer allowed to be sold in
grocery stores. They now can only be purchased at state liquor stores.
Metered DispensingUtah law requires restaurants, private clubs, and airport lounges to use a
metered dispensing system that is calibrated to dispense no more than 1.5 ounces
of primary liquor in a mixed drink. Secondary alcoholic flavorings may then be
added to a mixed drink as the recipe requires not to exceed a total of 2.75
ounces of spirituous liquor.
Please
Don't Drink and Drive!If you do drink and don't have a designated sober
driver, take advantage of Park City's free bus system or T.A.D.D. (Taxis
Against Drunk Driving)....
"Use our taxi service to get home safely and we
will provide you with a FREE taxi ride back to your car the morning after!"
Advanced Transportation Services are the founders of Park City T.A.D.D.. Call
them at 435-647-3999.
There are 3 liquor stores in Park City. For the largest selection
go to the one in Snow Creek Plaza. Click the above link for more info.
Hope
you've enjoyed this short tutorial of Utah Liquor Laws. It's really not that
complicated. Spread the word...you can ski and drink in Utah...just not at the
same time please!
Mr. Beer offers a collection of beer making kits, supplies, and merchandise. As Low As $39.99! - Makes A Great Gift!
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Utah Liquor Laws - The In-Depth Version
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