Buying Beer In Moab, Utah: What You Need To Know

Yes, you can buy beer in Moab, Utah. The state's alcohol laws have been relaxed since hosting the 2002 Winter Olympics, and there are plenty of places to buy beer in Moab. Beer under 5% alcohol content can be purchased at food and convenience stores for takeout, and beer over 5% ABV can be purchased at Utah State Liquor Stores. There are also several breweries, restaurants, and bars in Moab that serve beer, including the Moab Brewery, which offers a wide selection of specially crafted beers and award-winning distilled spirits.

Where to buy beer in Moab, Utah

Moab, Utah, is home to a variety of restaurants, bars, and breweries where you can purchase beer.

The Moab Brewery, founded in 1996, is a popular choice for visitors and locals alike. It offers a wide selection of award-winning, specially crafted beers, inspired by the beautiful and unique landscape of Moab. You can enjoy a refreshing beer on tap, by the bottle or can, and even take home a growler. The Moab Brewery's Package Agency, located at 686 South Main Street, is open daily, including Sundays and holidays, from 11:30 am.

Another option is Proper Brewing Co., located at 1393 US-191. They feature over 70 craft beers, including 20 draft beers, and also offer limited-edition seasonal beers brewed on-site. You can enjoy a beer in their taproom and purchase beers to go from their beer store.

For a unique dining and drinking experience, Zax Restaurant offers an adult atmosphere in its Watering Hole section, where you can order cocktails without the need to order food. However, if you choose to sit in the family dining section, you must order food with your alcoholic beverage.

If you're looking for a wider selection of alcoholic beverages, the Utah State Liquor Store in Moab sells bottled liquor, wine, and beer with an alcoholic content above 5%. The store is located at 55 West 200 South and is open Monday through Saturday from 12 noon to 7 pm. It is closed on Sundays and holidays.

For beer with less than 5% alcohol content, you can visit food stores and convenience stores for take-out options. On-premise consumption is also available at licensed locations, such as taverns, golf courses, bowling alleys, and licensed restaurants.

Other notable mentions include the Blu Pig, which has the largest selection of whiskey, tequila, and beer in the city, and Eddie Mcstiff's, which offers 12 brews on tap, including organic options and local Utah brews.

So, whether you're looking for a refreshing beer to go or a unique dining experience with craft beers on tap, Moab, Utah, has plenty of options to choose from.

Alcohol laws in Utah

Alcohol laws in the United States vary from state to state, and Utah has some of the most unique regulations. Here is an overview of the alcohol laws in Utah:

The 2002 Winter Olympics

The state's alcohol landscape changed significantly after Utah hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics. Prior to this, bars were called "private clubs" and required membership to enter. This rule was abolished before the Games, making the laws more "normal", at least in certain areas.

Age Restriction

Only adults of legal age (21 and above) can purchase and consume beer, wine, and hard liquor in Utah. A valid ID is required to enter bars and buy alcohol from stores and restaurants.

Food Requirement

In Utah, restaurants are required by law to serve food with alcoholic drinks. This also applies to patrons sitting at the bar. However, a small plate of fries or chips and salsa is usually sufficient to satisfy this requirement.

Taverns, Breweries, and Bars

Taverns, breweries, and bars are allowed to sell alcohol without the need to serve food. Many eateries choose to license themselves as bars to accommodate customers who only want a drink. These establishments can sell alcohol from 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Beer, Wine, and Liquor

Beer with an alcohol content of less than 5% can be purchased at grocery stores and convenience stores. For higher-percentage beer, wine, and liquor, you need to go to a state-run liquor store. These stores are typically open from Monday to Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. or 10 p.m., and are closed on Sundays and holidays.

Open Containers

Utah law prohibits open containers of alcohol in motor vehicles. This also applies to bicycles. The state has the strictest DUI limit in the country, with a blood alcohol level of 0.05% as the limit for being considered "driving under the influence".

Smoking

Utah's Indoor Clean Air Act prohibits smoking in areas accessible to the general public. However, designated smoking areas are available at the Salt Lake International Airport, and some lodging facilities offer smoking rooms.

Marijuana

While neighbouring states have legalised marijuana for recreational use, marijuana is only available for medical purposes in Utah. Possession without a proper medical card is illegal.

Beer ABV in Utah

Beer in Utah has a complicated history, with the state's alcohol laws being some of the most restrictive in the US. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to which 55% of Utah residents belong, advises against the consumption of alcohol. However, despite attempts to make Utah a dry state, this has never happened.

In 2019, a new bill replaced an 86-year-old law that stated that 3.2% ABV was the alcohol limit for brewing. This new bill 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. Beer over 5% ABV is available in state liquor stores and package agencies, and at clubs and restaurants licensed to sell liquor.

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 what is known as a control state, meaning the state has a monopoly over the wholesaling and retailing of some or all alcoholic beverages.

The state's alcohol laws have been relaxed in recent years, particularly after the 2002 Winter Olympics, in an attempt to boost the state's tourism industry. However, Utah still has some of the strictest DUI laws in the country, with a limit of 0.05% BAC, which applies to both cars and bicycles.

In terms of where you can buy beer in Utah, it depends on the ABV. For beer under 5% ABV, you can purchase it at grocery stores, convenience stores, and some licensed establishments such as taverns, beer bars, and restaurants. For beer over 5% ABV, you'll need to go to a state liquor store, package agency, club, or licensed restaurant.

So, if you're looking to buy beer in Moab, Utah, you have a few options. For beer under 5% ABV, you can try food stores, convenience stores, or licensed establishments like taverns, golf courses, bowling alleys, or restaurants. For beer over 5% ABV, your best bet is the Utah State Liquor Store, which is located at 55 West 200 South and is open Monday through Saturday from noon to 7 pm. It's important to note that the liquor store is closed on Sundays and holidays. Additionally, some local breweries, like Moab Brewery, offer beer to-go.

Drinking beer in restaurants

Many restaurants in Moab make speciality cocktails and alcoholic beverages part of the dining experience. Some restaurants that serve alcoholic drinks without requiring food purchases include The Alley Sports Pub & Grill (beer only), Blu Bar, Moab Brewery, Spitfire Smokehouse, and Proper Brewing Co.

Utah State law permits the sale of beer with an alcohol content of less than 5% in food stores and convenience stores for takeout. Beer with higher alcohol content can be purchased at various licensed locations, including taverns, golf courses, bowling alleys, and restaurants with the required license.

When dining in a restaurant in Moab, it's worth checking the seating arrangements and food requirements to ensure compliance with local alcohol regulations.

Moab offers a variety of dining and drinking options, from local craft beers to cocktails and spirits. Here are some popular choices:

• Moab Brewery: This award-winning brewery offers a wide selection of specially crafted beers, distilled spirits, and dining options. Their beers have won prestigious awards, such as a Silver Medal at the World Beer Cup and a Bronze Medal at the Great American Beer Festival.
• Zax Restaurant and the Watering Hole Tavern: This restaurant features a large selection of Utah microbrews and specialty drinks. The Watering Hole offers an adult atmosphere where patrons can order cocktails without food, while the family dining section requires food orders with alcoholic beverages.
• Eddie Mcstiff’s: Boasts 12 brews on tap, including organic options and local Utah brews like Squatters, Unita, Wasatch, and Red Rock. They also offer bottled beers ranging from 5.6% to 10.4% ABV. Martinis and margaritas are their specialties, and their Stiffies are known to be the strongest drinks in Utah.
• Miguel’s Baja Grill: This grill is known for its Margaritas, tequila shots, and bottled beer, including the 32 oz. Corona Familiar (limited to one per person).
• Blu Pig: A BBQ and blues joint with a large selection of whiskey, tequila, and beer. They also have an IPL on tap made specially for them and offer live music.

Remember to drink responsibly and be aware of Utah's strict DUI limit of 0.05%, the lowest in the country.

Drinking beer in bars

In bars and clubs, anyone 21 or older with a valid ID can enter and drink without having to order food. However, last call for alcohol is generally 1 am, and bars must close by 2 am. Beer above 5% ABV can be purchased in bars and restaurants, and you can get higher ABV beers at state liquor stores.

Some popular places to drink beer in Moab include:

• The Moab Brewery – a restaurant offering a wide selection of specially crafted beers, distilled spirits, and dining.
• Blu Pig – a BBQ and blues joint with the largest selection of whiskey, tequila, and beer in the city, as well as live music.
• Eddie Mcstiff’s – with 12 brews on tap, including organic and local Utah beers.
• Miguel’s Baja Grill – serving margaritas, tequila shots, and bottled beer, including the 32 oz. Corona Familiar (limited to one per person).
• Moab Burger and Atomic Lounge – offering locally made wines, micro-brews on tap or bottled, and cocktails made with fresh-squeezed juices and house-made syrups.
• The Spoke on Center – known for its specialty cocktails, including a bacon bloody Mary and a Moab Mule. They also offer a short wine list and a variety of beers.

Frequently asked questions