Helium Beer In Utah: Where To Buy?

Helium beer is not real, but rather an April Fool's joke that has resurfaced several times since 2014. While it is not possible to carbonate beer with helium, scientists have discovered that it is possible to create a helium beer by swapping out the carbon dioxide tank with a helium tank, which results in bigger and faster-rising bubbles. However, this beer is unlikely to be sold commercially. In Utah, alcohol laws are strict and complex, with the state having a monopoly over the distribution of some alcoholic beverages. Beer over 5% ABV is available in state liquor stores, while beer with a lower ABV can be purchased in grocery and convenience stores.

Helium beer is a hoax

The concept of helium beer gained traction on April 1, 2014, when Stone Brewing released a satirical news article introducing Cr(He)am Ale, a cream ale with helium. The article included suggested food pairings such as Twinkies, Funyuns, and Kraft singles, and was timed to coincide with April Fool's Day. The following year, on March 31, 2015, Die BierProbierer posted a video on YouTube that showed two men drinking beer and their voices changing as if they had sucked down helium. This video went viral, with nearly 30 million views on Facebook, and sparked numerous copycat videos and articles.

Despite the scientific impossibility of helium beer, the Chemical & Engineering News' Newscripts page published an article in November 2015 claiming to have created a helium-infused milk stout. The team achieved this by swapping out the carbon dioxide tank with a helium tank, which resulted in bigger and faster-rising bubbles. However, the experiment did not affect the pitch of the tasters' voices or belches.

While the idea of helium beer may be intriguing, it remains nothing more than a hoax. The laws of science dictate that helium cannot be dissolved in beer, and attempts to add liquid helium would result in a frozen beverage.

Utah's alcohol laws are complex

Firstly, Utah is one of 17 control states in the US, which means the state has a monopoly over the wholesale and retail distribution of alcoholic beverages. It is the only state that has full retail control over beer with an alcohol content higher than 5% ABV. Wine and spirits must be purchased from state-run liquor stores, which are closed on Sundays and major holidays. These stores have limited hours, typically opening from 11 am to 7 pm or 10 pm on weekdays. Beer with an alcohol content of 5% ABV or less can be purchased from grocery and convenience stores, and higher alcohol content beer is available at state liquor stores and package agencies, as well as licensed clubs and restaurants.

The state also has unique regulations for bars and restaurants. Alcohol may not be served after 1 am, and there are restrictions on the types of drinks that can be served, with no "happy hour" discounts allowed. Additionally, restaurants are required to serve food with alcoholic drinks, and there is an "intent to dine" law, which means customers must have the intention to order food to be served an alcoholic beverage. The state also previously had a “Zion Curtain” law, which mandated partitions in restaurants to separate bartenders preparing drinks from customers, although this was abolished in 2017.

Utah also has strict DUI laws, with a blood alcohol content (BAC) limit of 0.05%, the lowest in the country. The state also prohibits consuming liquor in public places, including public buildings, parks, and stadiums, unless there is a license or event permit.

The complex alcohol laws in Utah are influenced by the state's religious teachings and the large population of Latter-day Saints residents, who are advised against consuming alcohol. While there have been attempts to make Utah a dry state, these have failed, and the state has made some changes to modernise its beer laws and make alcohol more accessible to tourists and locals. However, the laws continue to be restrictive and can impact the state's business, economic growth, and tourism industry.

Beer in Utah can be bought at grocery and convenience stores

Helium beer is not a real product. It was the subject of an April Fool's prank by Stone Brewing in 2014, which sparked a series of similar pranks and hoaxes by other beer companies and internet pranksters. While it is scientifically possible to create a helium-infused beer, it is not soluble in water and turns to gas at -220°F, so it is not something that will be available to buy anytime soon.

Beer in Utah

Utah's alcohol laws have been influenced by the state's religious population, with 55% of residents belonging to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which advises against the consumption of alcohol. However, several attempts to make Utah a dry state have failed, and the laws have been relaxed in recent years. For example, a new bill passed in November 2019 allows beers with 4% alcohol by weight or 5% ABV to be sold in grocery stores and convenience stores.

The minimum age to buy or consume alcohol in Utah is 21, and a valid ID is required. Alcohol can only be served between 10 am and 1 am, and last call is generally at 1 am, with bars closing by 2 am. Utah also has strict DUI laws, with a blood alcohol content (BAC) limit of 0.05%, the lowest in the country.

Liquor in Utah can be bought at state-run stores

Utah has some of the strictest liquor laws in the US, which can confuse visitors and residents alike. It is important to follow these regulations and purchase liquor only from state-run stores to avoid legal issues.

Utah is considered a "control state", meaning the state has a monopoly over the wholesale and/or retail distribution of alcoholic beverages. It is one of only six states that control the distribution of wine, and the only state that remains in full retail control of beer higher than 5% ABV.

Wine and spirits must be purchased from state-run liquor stores. Licensed distilleries are the only exception, as they are permitted to sell their products directly to consumers, even on Sundays when state-operated liquor stores are closed.

Beer with an alcohol content of 5.0% ABV or less is sold in grocery and convenience stores. Higher ABV beer must be purchased from a Utah state liquor store or from the brewery itself.

State liquor stores are generally open Monday through Saturday from 11 am to anywhere between 5 pm and 10 pm, depending on the location. They are closed on Sundays and public holidays.

There are some restrictions on the types of liquor that can be sold in Utah. For example, some high-alcohol content spirits may not be available, and certain liquor brands may only be sold at designated "premium" liquor stores.

Utah has some of the strictest DUI laws in the country, with a blood alcohol content (BAC) limit of 0.05%. This means that even one or two drinks could put someone over the legal limit.

• Alcoholic drinks in restaurants must be ordered with food.
• Bars and restaurants cannot serve drinks to someone who appears intoxicated.
• There are restrictions on the types of drinks that can be served (e.g. no "happy hour" discounts).
• To purchase alcohol, you must be at least 21 years old and provide a valid form of identification.
• It is illegal to bring alcohol into Utah, except for personal consumption in limited quantities.

Utah's DUI laws are strict

Utah was the first state to lower its blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for driving to 0.08% from the standard 0.10%. It then became the first state to further reduce its alcohol percentage limit to 0.05% BAC while driving. This change in Utah DUI laws came into effect on December 30, 2018.

In Utah, you can be arrested for a DUI even if you are not driving the vehicle at the time. For example, you can be charged if you are seated in the car, in possession of the ignition key, or by touching the steering wheel or controls. It does not matter if you are asleep or awake.

If you are convicted of a DUI in Utah, you face serious consequences. For a first DUI, you may be sentenced to a mandatory two-day jail term or 48 hours of community service, a potential 180-day prison term, a 120-day license suspension, and fines of at least $1,310. You will also have to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for a year if your Blood Alcohol Limit (BAC) is 0.16% or more. An IID is a breathalyzer connected to your vehicle's ignition system, and it costs $150 to install, $150 to remove, and up to $150 per month for maintenance.

For a second DUI charge in Utah, the punishments become more severe, including a mandatory 10-day jail sentence or 5 days in prison and 30 hours of electronic monitoring, a two-year license revocation, a maximum of 180 days in prison, and minimum fines of $1,560.

A third DUI charge in Utah can result in a mandatory 62-day prison term, a maximum of five years in a penitentiary, a two-year license revocation, two years of IID if convicted within the last ten years, and minimum fines of $2,580.

In addition to the criminal penalties, a DUI conviction in Utah can have life-altering consequences. You will have to provide a DNA sample that remains in a law enforcement database forever. Your vehicle will likely be impounded, and your driving privileges may be withdrawn on the 45th day after the arrest. If you are under 21 at the time of arrest, you will be ignition interlock restricted for three years; if you are 21 or older, the restriction lasts for 18 months.

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