Buying Beer In Blanding, Utah: What's The Deal?

The city of Blanding in Utah has been a dry town since the 1930s, with a ban on alcohol sales since 1967. However, in 2017, the city voted on whether to allow beer and wine sales within city limits. While the vote passed, allowing alcohol sales in Blanding, the sale and consumption of alcohol are still highly regulated in Utah. The Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services (UDABS) has regulated the sale of alcoholic beverages since 1935, and the state has some of the most restrictive alcohol laws in the US.

Beer in Blanding, Utah, has been prohibited since 1967

Blanding is a conservative community in southeastern Utah, with a population of around 3,500 people. It is one of the last "dry" communities in the Mormon-majority state, where the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints advises against the consumption of alcohol for its members. The city has a history of debating whether to repeal the prohibition, with attempts made in 1973, 1983, and 1988, all proving unsuccessful.

The debate in Blanding reflects a broader tension between maintaining the city's character and public safety and accommodating the needs of drinkers and the influx of tourists. Opponents of alcohol sales argue that the prohibition helps maintain public order, while proponents argue that the city is missing out on potential revenue by not allowing alcohol sales.

Even if the ban were lifted, only a few businesses in Blanding would likely take advantage of alcohol sales. One of the sit-down restaurants in the city, Yak's Center Street Cafe, has stated that they would not benefit from alcohol sales as they are only open for breakfast and lunch. Additionally, the main grocery store in town, Clark's Market, is part of a Colorado-based chain that does not sell alcohol in any of its stores.

While the vote on allowing beer and wine sales in Blanding took place in 2017, it is unclear what the outcome was. However, regardless of the result, the debate around alcohol sales in the city highlights the complex social, cultural, and economic factors at play in communities across the United States.

The closest place to buy beer is three miles out of town

If you're looking to buy beer in Blanding, Utah, you may be out of luck. Blanding has been a "dry" town since the 1930s, prohibiting the sale of alcohol within city limits. However, this doesn't mean you need to go on a long journey to find beer. The closest place to buy beer is Shirt Tail Junction, a convenience store located just three miles out of town. So, if you're in Blanding and craving a cold one, a short drive will get you to the beer you desire.

While Blanding itself doesn't sell alcohol, there are a few options for those seeking beer or other alcoholic beverages nearby. In addition to Shirt Tail Junction, you can find alcohol in Bluff, about 26 miles south, or Monticello, roughly 20 miles north, which has a state liquor store. These options may be a bit of a trek for Blanding residents, but they provide access to beer and other alcoholic drinks.

It's worth noting that Utah has some of the most restrictive alcohol laws in the United States. The legal drinking age is 21, and there are limits on the percentage of alcohol in beer sold at grocery and convenience stores. Beer with higher alcohol content is available at state liquor stores and specific licensed establishments. These laws are influenced by the large population of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who are advised against consuming alcohol.

In recent years, there have been efforts to change Blanding's alcohol prohibition. In 2017, the city considered allowing beer and wine sales, but the vote didn't garner much passion from residents, and the ban was maintained. However, the discussion around this issue continues, and it's possible that Blanding's stance on alcohol sales may change in the future.

Alcohol sales in restaurants are only allowed with food

In restaurants, alcohol can only be served with food, and there are limitations on the amount of alcohol that can be served per glass. Additionally, the time at which alcohol may be served is limited, with a cut-off time of 1:00 a.m. These restrictions do not apply to breweries or beer-only establishments, where food is not required to order a beer.

The city of Blanding itself was a "dry" town for over 50 years, prohibiting the sale of alcohol within city limits. However, in 2017, voters were asked whether they wanted to allow beer and wine sales, and the ban was lifted. Despite this, alcohol sales in Blanding are still limited, as there are only two sit-down restaurants in the city, and one is only open for breakfast and lunch. Additionally, due to state rules, some restaurants may be prohibited from serving alcohol if they are located too close to schools.

The relaxation of alcohol laws in Utah has been a gradual process, with several attempts over the years to make the state "dry" ultimately failing. The state's liquor industry has been controlled through state-run liquor store outlets since 1935, and while there have been efforts to reform these laws, they remain some of the most restrictive in the United States.

Bars in Utah can sell beer from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m

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

However, the state's alcohol laws have become less restrictive over time, especially after the 2002 Winter Olympics. For example, in November 2019, a new bill replaced an 86-year-old law that limited the alcohol content of beer to 3.2% ABV. The new law allows beers with 4% alcohol by weight or 5% ABV to be sold in grocery stores, convenience stores, and on tap at bars and restaurants.

The city of Blanding in southeastern Utah has been a "dry town" since 1967, banning the sale of alcohol. However, in 2017, the city considered lifting the ban to boost tourism. While some residents supported the idea, citing potential economic benefits, others were indifferent or opposed to the change. Ultimately, it is up to the residents of Blanding to decide whether to maintain or lift the prohibition on alcohol sales.

You must be 21 or over to purchase alcohol in Utah

In the state of Utah, you must be 21 or over to purchase alcohol. This is in line with the state's relatively strict alcohol laws, which are influenced by the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to which 55% of Utah residents belong. These laws have been gradually relaxed over the years, with the most notable changes occurring after the 2002 Winter Olympics.

Utah is one of 17 control states, meaning the state has a monopoly over the wholesaling and retailing of some or all alcoholic beverages. Beer with an alcohol content of over 3.2% can be purchased in Utah. A new bill passed in November 2019 replaced an 86-year-old law, allowing 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 a higher alcohol content can be purchased at state liquor stores.

In bars and clubs, anyone 21 or older with a valid ID can enter and purchase alcohol. However, customers under 21 are not permitted in these establishments. Alcohol can also be purchased at restaurants, but only alongside food. There is no food requirement for purchasing beer at breweries or beer-only establishments. Alcohol can be purchased one drink at a time and must be consumed before purchasing another. Wine can be purchased by the glass or bottle.

Utah has strict laws around drinking in public places. It is prohibited to consume liquor in a public building, park, stadium, or public transport unless there is a license or event permit to do so. It is also illegal to have an open container of alcohol in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle.

When it comes to purchasing alcohol in the city of Blanding, Utah, things are a little different. Blanding has been a dry town since the 1930s, with a ban on alcohol sales since 1967. However, in recent years, there have been discussions and votes on whether to lift this prohibition. While some residents want to maintain the city's character and public safety by keeping the ban, others, particularly restaurant and hotel owners, believe that accommodating drinkers and the influx of tourists is necessary for the city's economic development. As of 2017, the closest place to buy beer was a convenience store about three miles outside of Blanding, and the closest state liquor store was 20 miles away.

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