Utah's Sunday Beer Buying Laws Explained

Utah has strict alcohol laws, but it is possible to buy beer on a Sunday in the state. While state-run liquor stores are closed on Sundays, you can buy beer in supermarkets and convenience stores every day of the week. However, these shops are only permitted to sell beer with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 5% or lower. For higher ABV beer, you'll need to visit a brewery, winery, or distillery, which are allowed to sell their products seven days a week.

Beer can be purchased in supermarkets and gas stations on Sundays

Yes, beer can be purchased in Utah on Sundays. In fact, beer and similar products like hard seltzers can be purchased at most grocery and convenience stores in Utah seven days a week.

In November 2019, a new bill replaced the 86-year-old law stating that 3.2% ABV was the alcohol limit for brewing. It now 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.

Beer can also be purchased at establishments with a "beer-only" type of license. These include taverns, beer bars, some restaurants or cafes, and snack bars. Beer can be served in these establishments without the need to order food.

However, it is important to note that Utah has strict laws regarding alcohol. For example, the legal drinking age in Utah is 21, and all adults must be prepared to show valid identification when purchasing or consuming alcohol. Additionally, Utah has the strictest DUI limit in the country at 0.05%, so it is important to plan alternative transportation if you plan on drinking.

State-run liquor stores are closed on Sundays

In Utah, state-run liquor stores are closed on Sundays. This means that if you're looking to buy liquor, wine, or heavy beer (more than 5% ABV), you'll need to plan ahead as these stores are typically only open from Monday to Saturday. The operating hours of these state-run liquor stores vary, usually opening around 11 am and closing between 5 pm and 10 pm.

While you can purchase beer in supermarkets and convenience stores on Sundays, the selection is limited to beer and similar products like hard seltzers. For those seeking a wider variety of alcoholic beverages, including full-strength beer, wine, and liquor, a visit to a state-run liquor store on a weekday is necessary.

Utah has strict regulations regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol. For example, the legal drinking age is 21, and establishments licensed as bars do not allow entry to anyone under that age. Additionally, some restaurants require patrons to order food with their alcoholic drinks, although this is not the case for bars, taverns, or breweries.

It's important to note that Utah's liquor laws have evolved over time, becoming more relaxed and accessible to visitors and residents. Nevertheless, the state's priority remains promoting responsible moderation rather than actively encouraging alcohol consumption.

You can buy beer in Utah with >3.2% ABV

Yes, you can buy beer in Utah with more than 3.2% ABV. In fact, a new bill passed in November 2019 replaced the 86-year-old law that restricted the alcohol limit for brewing to 3.2%. This means that beers with up to 4% alcohol by weight or 5% ABV can be sold in grocery stores, convenience stores, and on tap at bars and restaurants.

Utah has been making efforts to modernise its liquor laws, and it is now easier for visitors to the state to purchase and consume alcohol. Beers with an ABV of over 5% can be purchased from state-run liquor stores, which are generally open from Monday to Saturday and closed on Sundays. These stores offer a wide range of wines, spirits, and full-strength beers.

It is important to note that Utah has strict laws regarding the consumption of alcohol. For example, the legal drinking age is 21, and a valid form of identification is required to purchase alcohol. Additionally, Utah has the strictest DUI limit in the country at 0.05%, so it is important to plan alternative transportation if you plan on drinking.

Alcoholic drinks can be ordered in licensed restaurants and bars seven days a week

In bars, taverns, and breweries, alcohol can be purchased without food. However, minors are not allowed in these establishments, and last call for alcohol is generally at 1 am, with bars closing by 2 am.

Beer with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 5% can be purchased in grocery stores and convenience stores every day of the week. For higher ABV beers, you will need to visit a state liquor store, which is generally open from Monday to Saturday, and closed on Sundays.

Utah has a reputation for having strict liquor laws, and while this is true to an extent, the laws have been relaxed in recent years, making it easier for visitors to the state to purchase and consume alcohol.

Alcohol must be ordered with food in licensed restaurants

Alcohol laws in Utah have been relaxed in recent years, making it easier for visitors to the state to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages. However, there are still some restrictions in place, particularly regarding the sale of alcohol in licensed restaurants.

In Utah, alcoholic drinks can only be served in licensed restaurants if they are ordered with food. This rule applies to full-service and limited-service restaurants with liquor licenses, as well as restaurants with beer-only licenses. Patrons must be dining in the restaurant to be served an alcoholic beverage. However, 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 licensed restaurants is just one aspect of Utah's unique liquor laws. The state has strict laws regarding the sale and service of alcoholic beverages, which are regulated by the state. While alcohol is available in Utah, the state does not promote or encourage its sale or consumption. The legal drinking age in Utah is 21, and a valid ID is required to purchase alcohol.

Utah's liquor laws also differentiate between bars and restaurants. Bars and taverns are allowed to sell alcohol without requiring patrons to order food. However, only adults aged 21 and older are allowed in establishments licensed as bars, and a valid ID is required.

In terms of purchasing alcohol to consume off-site, there are a few options available in Utah. State liquor stores sell packaged liquor, wine, and heavy beer (more than 5% ABV). These stores are typically closed on Sundays and holidays and often close early on other days, so it is important to plan ahead. Grocery and convenience stores also sell beer and similar products, but wine can only be purchased at authorized state stores.

Overall, while Utah has some unique liquor laws, it is possible to purchase and consume alcohol in the state, including on Sundays, as long as you follow the relevant regulations.

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