Arabella Franco
Salt Lake City, Utah, has a reputation for strict alcohol laws, but it is not impossible to buy beer there. In fact, the laws have been relaxed in recent years, making it much easier for visitors to the city to purchase alcoholic drinks. Beer with an alcohol content of 5% ABV or less can be bought in grocery and convenience stores, while stronger beers must be purchased from state-run liquor stores. These stores are closed on Sundays and public holidays, but breweries, wineries, and distilleries can sell their products every day of the week.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Beer availability | Beer is available in Salt Lake City, Utah. |
| Beer ABV | Beer with an ABV of 5% or less can be purchased in grocery and convenience stores. Beer with a higher ABV can be bought in state-run liquor stores and select bars and restaurants. |
| Beer purchase locations | Beer can be purchased in grocery stores, convenience stores, taverns, beer bars, some restaurants and cafes, and other establishments with a "beer-only" license. |
| Beer purchase age restriction | You must be at least 21 years old to purchase beer. |
| Beer purchase time restrictions | Beer can be bought from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. on weekdays and from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. on weekends. |
| Open container law | It is prohibited to have an open container of alcohol in the passenger compartment of a vehicle. |
What You'll Learn
- Beer is available in grocery and convenience stores if it is 5% ABV or less
- Wine and spirits must be purchased from state-run liquor stores
- You must be 21 or over and have a valid ID to buy alcohol
- Alcohol can be purchased in bars and restaurants
- Alcohol can be purchased in breweries, wineries, and distilleries every day of the week
Beer is available in grocery and convenience stores if it is 5% ABV or less
Beer is available in grocery and convenience stores in Salt Lake City, but only if it is 5% ABV or less. This change came about in 2019, when Utah updated its liquor laws, allowing stronger alcohol-based beer to be sold in grocery and convenience stores.
Prior to this, the law stated that beer sold in retail locations, including grocery stores, could only be 3.2% alcohol by weight (4% ABV). Now, beer up to 5% ABV can be purchased in grocery and convenience stores, and there is no longer a need to visit a state-run liquor store for beer under this percentage.
Beer with an ABV of over 5% can be purchased from state-run liquor stores, which are generally open Monday to Saturday, from 11 am to 10 pm, though some close earlier at 5 pm or 7 pm. These stores are closed on Sundays and state and federal holidays.
It is important to note that Utah has strict DUI laws, with a blood alcohol content limit of 0.05%, the lowest in the country. This limit applies to both driving cars and riding bikes, so it is advisable to use public transport or a designated driver if you plan on drinking.
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Wine and spirits must be purchased from state-run liquor stores
In Salt Lake City, Utah, wine and spirits must be purchased from state-run liquor stores. These stores are operated by state employees and carry a full line of liquors, wines, spirits, and some full-strength beers. They are typically located in more populated areas of the state and have specific opening hours, usually from 11 am to 7 pm or 10 pm, Monday through Saturday. It is important to note that these stores are closed on Sundays and state and federal holidays.
The state-run liquor stores in Salt Lake City offer a wide range of options for customers. For wine enthusiasts, there are specialty wine stores with limited-production wine, beer, and liquor, providing a diverse and constantly changing selection. The largest wine store in the city is located downtown, offering one of the best wine selections in Utah.
When visiting the state-run liquor stores, it is important to bring a valid ID as everyone, regardless of age, will be carded. The legal drinking age in Utah is 21, and customers below this age are not allowed in the bar or lounge areas. Utah also has strict DUI laws, with a limit of 0.05%, the lowest in the country, so it is important to plan alternative transportation if you plan on drinking.
In addition to the state-run liquor stores, there are package agencies or private liquor outlets located in smaller communities, resorts, and hotels. These agencies also sell packaged liquor, wine, and beer but are operated by private individuals or entities under contract with the state.
While the state-run liquor stores offer a variety of options, there are some unique aspects to purchasing wine and spirits in Salt Lake City. Firstly, Utah has specific laws around alcohol, including the use of The Berg, a contraption that helps bartenders pour precise 1.5-ounce shots in mixed drinks. Secondly, Utah has strict DUI laws, so it is important to be mindful when consuming alcohol and plan alternative transportation. Lastly, some local distilleries and breweries offer direct-to-consumer sales, even on Sundays and holidays, providing additional options for purchasing wine and spirits.
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You must be 21 or over and have a valid ID to buy alcohol
If you want to buy beer in Salt Lake City, you must be 21 or over and have a valid ID. The legal drinking age in Utah is 21, and you will need to prove your age with a valid form of identification. Acceptable forms of ID include a passport, a US driver's license, or a military identification card with a date of birth and a photo. If you are an international visitor, you must use your passport to confirm your age when purchasing alcohol, as international driver's licenses are not recognised as valid ID.
It is worth noting that Utah has some of the most complex and strict alcohol laws in the US. For example, all wine and spirits must be purchased from state-run liquor stores, which are generally open from Monday to Saturday and closed on Sundays and holidays. Beer with an alcohol content of 5% ABV or less can be purchased from grocery and convenience stores, and there are over 400 places to get a drink in the city.
When visiting bars and restaurants in Salt Lake City, it is important to remember that last call for alcohol is generally 1 am, and bars must close by 2 am. Additionally, alcoholic drinks can only be served with food in restaurants, but food is not required when ordering beer in breweries or beer-only establishments.
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Alcohol can be purchased in bars and restaurants
In restaurants, alcoholic drinks can only be served with food, but at breweries or any beer-only establishments, food is not required to order a beer. Alcoholic drinks can be purchased one at a time, so pitchers of beer are not allowed. Wine can be purchased by the glass or bottle.
Bars and restaurants cannot serve alcohol to someone who appears intoxicated, and there are no "happy hour" discounts.
Beer with an alcohol content of 5.0% ABV or less can be purchased in grocery and convenience stores.
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Alcohol can be purchased in breweries, wineries, and distilleries every day of the week
Salt Lake City has a reputation for its confusing and strict alcohol laws. However, while the sale and consumption of alcohol are heavily regulated, it is not impossible to purchase alcoholic drinks in the city.
For beer, if the alcohol content is 5.0% ABV or less, it can be purchased from grocery and convenience stores seven days a week. For higher ABV beer, wine, and liquor, you will need to visit a state-run liquor store. These stores are generally open Monday to Saturday, from 11 am to 10 pm, and are closed on Sundays and state and federal holidays.
Bars and restaurants can serve alcohol seven days a week, but there are some restrictions. Alcoholic drinks can only be served with food, except in breweries or any beer-only establishments. Last call for alcohol is typically around 1 am, and bars must close by 2 am.
It is worth noting that Utah has the strictest DUI laws in the country, with a blood alcohol content limit of 0.05%. So, if you plan on drinking, it is best to leave the car behind and take advantage of public transportation or ridesharing services.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can buy beer in Salt Lake City. Beer with an alcohol content of 5% ABV or less can be purchased in grocery and convenience stores. Beer with a higher alcohol content must be purchased from state-run liquor stores or from the brewery itself.
You can buy beer with an alcohol content of up to 13% ABV in Salt Lake City.
Yes, there are some restrictions on the purchase of beer in Salt Lake City. Beer can only be sold between the hours of 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 a.m., and you must be at least 21 years old to purchase it. Additionally, Utah has strict DUI laws, with a blood alcohol content (BAC) limit of 0.05%.
Yes, you can buy beer on Sundays in Salt Lake City. Beer is available at gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores during their normal operating hours. However, state-run liquor stores are closed on Sundays.
In addition to beer, you can purchase wine and spirits from state-run liquor stores in Salt Lake City. Licensed distilleries are also permitted to sell their products directly to consumers, even on Sundays.
