Utah Beer Laws: Buying For Friends Explained

Utah has some of the most restrictive alcohol laws in the United States. The state has a monopoly over the retailing and wholesaling of alcoholic beverages, and alcohol laws are based on the general philosophy of making alcoholic beverages available in a way that satisfies public demand without promoting or encouraging their use. So, can you buy beer for a friend in Utah?

Beer above 5% ABV is available in state liquor stores

In Utah, beer above 5% ABV is available in state liquor stores. This change came about in November 2019, when a new bill replaced the 86-year-old law that stated 3.2% ABV beer was the limit for brewing.

The new legislation allows beers with 4% alcohol by weight or 5% ABV to be sold in grocery stores, convenience stores, and on draft at bars and restaurants. Beers with an ABV of over 5% can be purchased at state-run liquor stores.

Utah's liquor industry (except 4% beer) has been controlled through state-run liquor store outlets since 1935. The state has a monopoly over the retailing of some or all alcoholic beverages, as it is one of seventeen "control states".

The change in legislation has been welcomed by breweries, with many reformulating their beers to meet the new 5% ABV limit. For example, Bohemian Brewery's flagship 1842 Czech Pilsner is now 4.8% ABV, allowing it to conform to internationally recognised style guidelines.

The new laws have also been well-received by beer drinkers in Utah, who now have access to a wider variety of beers in local stores.

You must be 21 or older to buy alcohol in Utah

In Utah, you must be 21 or older to buy alcohol. This is a standard legal drinking age across the United States, and in Utah, it applies to the purchase and consumption of beer, wine, and spirits.

Utah has some of the most restrictive alcohol laws in the US. The Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services (UDABS) has regulated the sale of alcoholic beverages since 1935, two years after the end of Prohibition. The state has a monopoly over the wholesaling and retailing of alcoholic beverages, controlling the industry through state-run liquor store outlets.

The state's laws are influenced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to which 55% of Utah residents belong. The church advises against alcohol consumption for its members.

In recent years, Utah has made efforts to modernise its liquor laws. For example, in 2019, the alcohol by volume percentage of beer sold in grocery and convenience stores was increased from 4% to 5%. This change allowed for a wider variety of beers to be sold in local stores.

However, the state still has unique aspects to its liquor laws. One notable difference is between bars and restaurants. Drinks can be ordered in a restaurant from 11:30 am to 1 am, but as the establishment is licensed as a restaurant, drinks must be ordered with food. This is not required in bars, taverns, or breweries.

Additionally, Utah has strict ID requirements for purchasing alcohol. All adults should be prepared to show ID when buying alcohol, and some businesses will always require an ID check as their policy. Acceptable forms of identification include a valid US driver's license, a valid US military identification card with a date of birth and a photo, or a valid US state-issued identification card.

Utah also has the strictest DUI limit in the country, with a blood alcohol content limit of 0.05%.

Alcohol can be served from 10 am to 1 am in bars

In Utah, alcohol can be served from 10 am to 1 am in bars. However, there are some important things to keep in mind regarding the service of alcohol in the state. Firstly, Utah has strict laws regulating the sale and consumption of alcohol, and it is illegal to bring any alcohol into the state. Additionally, the legal drinking age in Utah is 21, and a valid ID is required to purchase alcohol.

When it comes to bars and restaurants, there are some key differences to note. Establishments licensed as bars do not require patrons to order food with their drinks, while licensed restaurants require that alcoholic drinks be ordered with food. This can include a simple plate of fries or snacks. The latest a bar can serve alcohol is 1 am, and bars must close by 2 am. On the other hand, restaurants can serve alcohol from 11:30 am to 11:59 pm on weekdays and from 10:30 am to 11:59 pm on weekends.

It is worth noting that Utah's alcohol laws have evolved over time, becoming more modern and less restrictive. For example, the requirement for a "private club membership" to enter bars has been eliminated, and higher percentage beers are now more easily accessible. Despite these changes, Utah still has some of the most restrictive alcohol laws in the United States, influenced by the large population of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who advise against alcohol consumption.

Alcohol must be ordered with food in restaurants

Alcohol laws in Utah are some of the most restrictive in the United States. The state has a monopoly over the wholesaling and retailing of some or all categories of alcoholic beverages, and alcohol may not be sold any later than 1:00 a.m. under any circumstance.

In Utah, alcohol must be ordered with food in restaurants. This is because the state has different rules for establishments that are classified as restaurants, as opposed to bars or clubs. Alcoholic drinks can be served in restaurants from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., but food must be ordered alongside the drinks. This rule does not apply to breweries or any beer-only establishments, where food is not required to order a beer.

The requirement to order food with alcohol in restaurants is a point of interest and dismay for tourists, but it is not as much of a hassle as one might think. A simple shared plate of fries will do the trick!

Utah's liquor laws are based on the general philosophy of making alcoholic beverages available in a manner that reasonably satisfies public demand. However, the state does not promote or encourage the sale or use of alcohol. Instead, Utah believes that moderation is best achieved by controlling the consumption of alcohol.

You can't bring alcohol into Utah

Utah has strict laws about bringing alcohol into the state. It is generally illegal to bring alcohol into Utah, with some exceptions for personal consumption. Here's what you need to know:

Utah is a "control state", which means that only the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (DABC) may lawfully import alcoholic beverages into the state. Private individuals are not allowed to import or transport alcohol into Utah. This includes all hard liquor, spirits, wine, and beer. Any beverage with an alcohol content of at least 0.5% by volume (ABV) or higher is considered an alcoholic beverage under Utah law.

Exceptions for Personal Consumption

While it is generally illegal to bring alcohol into Utah, there are some exceptions for personal consumption. Here are the circumstances under which you may bring alcohol into the state:

• Clearing U.S. Customs: If you are entering the country and clear U.S. Customs, you may possess a maximum of nine liters of liquor purchased outside the United States.
• Moving to Utah: If you are moving your residence into Utah, you may bring and possess your previously purchased liquor during the move. You will need to obtain approval from the Utah Alcohol Board and pay a small fee.
• Inheriting Liquor: If you inherit liquor, you may transport and possess it in Utah as long as you provide sufficient documentation to the DABS that you are legally a beneficiary of the estate.
• Military Installation Purchase: If you purchase liquor on a military installation, you may transport and possess it in Utah. The maximum amount is two liters of wine or liquor, or a combination of the two, and one case of heavy beer or flavored malt beverages not exceeding 288 ounces (9 quarts or 8.5 liters).
• Diplomatic Missions: Accredited foreign diplomatic missions establishing a presence in Utah may ship, possess, and purchase alcoholic beverages under certain exceptions granted by the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic and Consular Relations.

Bringing alcohol into Utah illegally can result in legal consequences. The Utah Department of Public Safety's State Bureau of Investigation and local law enforcement agencies enforce alcohol laws in the state. They have the authority to confiscate alcohol, issue citations, close events, and pursue criminal charges against those found to be in violation of Utah's liquor laws.

Where Can You Buy Alcohol in Utah?

If you need to purchase alcohol in Utah, you can do so at state-licensed retailers, including:

• State liquor stores, which sell higher ABV beer, wine, and liquor.
• Grocery and convenience stores, which sell beer with an ABV of up to 5%.
• Breweries, wineries, and distilleries, which sell their products directly to consumers.
• Licensed restaurants, bars, taverns, hotels, resorts, recreational facilities, banquet facilities, and airport lounges, which sell alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption.

Remember, Utah has strict laws about bringing alcohol into the state, and it's important to follow these laws to avoid legal consequences. The exceptions outlined above allow for personal consumption, but any possession or importation of alcohol for resale is illegal.

Frequently asked questions