When To Buy Beer In Davis County, Utah

The sale of alcohol in Utah is regulated by the state, which controls the sale of liquor at the wholesale level. In recent years, Utah has been modernising its liquor laws, making it easier for visitors to the state to purchase alcoholic drinks. Beer, liquor and wine can be ordered in a restaurant from 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m., but these drinks must be ordered with food. Taverns, breweries and bars are allowed to sell alcohol during the same hours as restaurants, but food is not required. Beer may be purchased in establishments that have a beer-only type of license, such as taverns, beer bars, some restaurants or cafes, and snack bars.

Beer can be purchased in grocery and convenience stores

While the sale of beer in grocery and convenience stores is permitted in Utah, there are some restrictions. Beer with an ABV higher than 5% must be purchased from a Utah state liquor store. Additionally, the hours during which beer can be sold may vary depending on the county or municipality. While some stores sell beer 24 hours a day, others may stop sales at 1 am, adhering to the state-enforced hours for on-premise consumption.

It is worth noting that Utah has strict laws regarding the consumption of alcohol in public places. It is prohibited to consume liquor in public, and open containers of alcohol are not allowed in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. However, there are exceptions for certain events and locations, such as public or community events that are permitted by the state to serve and sell alcoholic beverages.

When purchasing alcohol in Utah, individuals must be at least 21 years of age and may be required to present a valid form of identification, such as a U.S. driver's license, military ID, or passport.

Alcoholic beverages must be served with food in restaurants

In Utah, alcoholic drinks can be ordered in a restaurant from 11:30 a.m. to midnight on weekdays and from 10:30 a.m. to midnight on weekends, legal holidays, and for private parties. However, these drinks must be ordered with food. This is a requirement that is unique to Utah and often surprises tourists. Nevertheless, it is not a significant inconvenience, as a simple plate of fries will suffice.

Utah has strict laws regarding the sale and service of alcoholic beverages. The state does not promote or encourage the sale or consumption of alcohol but instead aims to control it. To purchase and consume alcohol in Utah, individuals must be 21 or older and provide a valid form of identification.

There are different rules for establishments with different licenses. Restaurants with full-service liquor licenses can serve liquor, wine, flavoured malt beverages, and heavy beer, while those with limited-service liquor licenses can only serve wine and heavy beer. Beer-only establishments, such as taverns, breweries, and bars, are not required to serve food with alcoholic drinks. These venues can sell alcohol during the same hours as restaurants, but minors are not permitted on their premises.

Utah has made efforts to modernise its liquor laws in recent years. In November 2019, a new bill was passed, increasing the alcohol by volume percentage of beer sold in grocery and convenience stores from 4% to 5%. This change has brought a wider variety of beers to local stores.

Utah's DUI limit is the strictest in the country

In the state of Utah, beer can be purchased and served in licensed restaurants and bars seven days a week. In restaurants, alcoholic drinks must be ordered with food and delivered by an authorised employee. Beer can also be purchased in establishments with a "beer-only" type of license, such as taverns, beer bars, some restaurants or cafes, and snack bars. Beer service in a tavern or bar does not require the purchase of food.

Now, onto Utah's DUI laws. In Utah, a person is considered "under the influence" and can be charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) if they are incapable of safely operating a vehicle or have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05% or more, which is the lowest in the country. This limit is lower than the limit of 0.08% that applies in most of the United States.

Utah's DUI laws are considered some of the strictest in the nation. For drivers under 21, Utah has a zero-tolerance policy, with the "Not-A-Drop" statute resulting in underage drivers facing conviction and penalties if they operate a motor vehicle with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system. The state's DUI laws also apply to individuals who are in actual physical control of a vehicle while under the influence, even if they are not driving.

The penalties for a DUI conviction in Utah depend on various factors, including the number of prior convictions, BAC level, and whether there were passengers under 16 years old in the vehicle. For a first conviction, individuals can face a minimum of two days in jail or 48 hours of community service, with higher penalties for a BAC above 0.16% or other aggravating factors. A third or subsequent conviction can result in felony charges, with potential jail terms of up to five years.

Utah's strict DUI laws highlight the state's focus on promoting responsible drinking and reducing alcohol abuse. The state's approach to alcohol regulation aims to achieve moderation by controlling the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages rather than promoting or encouraging their use.

Alcoholic beverages can be purchased in rural areas

In Utah, the sale and service of alcoholic beverages are regulated by the state. While the state does not promote or encourage the sale or use of alcohol, it aims to make alcoholic beverages available in a way that reasonably satisfies public demand.

Utah has over 50 state-run liquor and wine stores, generally open from Monday to Saturday, which offer a full line of liqueurs, wines, spirits, and some full-strength beers. These stores are mostly found in the more populated areas of the state.

Additionally, there are over 100 Package Agencies, which are liquor outlets operated by private individuals or corporate entities under contract with the state. These agencies are located in smaller cities, towns, and hotels and resorts for customer convenience. They offer a more modest selection of packaged liquor, wine, and beer.

State liquor stores are closed on Sundays and holidays, and they often close as early as 7 pm.

Grocery and convenience stores also sell beer and similar products, such as hard seltzers, every day of the week. However, wine is not available in grocery stores and can only be purchased at authorised state stores.

Regardless of whether you are in an urban or rural area, alcoholic beverages can be purchased in Utah. The same laws that apply in Salt Lake City (SLC) also apply in the more remote areas of the state. This includes the requirement to be at least 21 years old to purchase and consume alcohol.

Each of Utah's five national parks has a liquor store nearby, and bars and restaurants are easily accessible, especially in Springdale near Zion National Park or Moab near Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. However, it is essential to familiarise yourself with the rules around alcohol consumption, as these can vary from park to park.

While Utah has a reputation for having strict liquor laws, recent changes have made it much easier for visitors to enjoy a drink. For example, a new bill passed in November 2019 increased the alcohol limit for beer sold in grocery stores, convenience stores, and on draft at bars and restaurants from 3.2% to 4% alcohol by weight or 5% ABV.

In summary, alcoholic beverages can be purchased in rural areas of Utah, and the same laws and regulations apply as in the rest of the state. Visitors should be aware of the strict DUI laws and the requirement to purchase and consume alcohol responsibly.

Alcoholic beverages can be purchased in national parks

In Utah, the sale and service of alcoholic beverages are regulated by the state. While the state does not promote or encourage the sale or use of alcohol, it aims to make alcoholic beverages available in a manner that reasonably satisfies public demand.

Utah's liquor laws have evolved over the years, particularly after the 2002 Winter Olympics, making it easier for visitors to the state to purchase alcohol.

Purchasing Alcoholic Beverages in Utah

Full liquor service is available in licensed restaurants, bars, banquet facilities, hotels, reception centres, airport lounges, recreational amenities, and taverns. The hours of sale vary depending on the type of establishment and day of the week. Here are the general rules:

• Restaurants with full-service liquor licenses: Liquor, wine, flavoured malt beverages, and heavy beer can be served from 11:30 a.m. to midnight, and beer is available from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. On weekends, legal holidays, and for private parties, alcohol service may begin at 10:30 a.m. Patrons must order food with their drinks.
• Restaurants with limited-service liquor licenses: Wine and heavy beer can be served from 11:30 a.m. to midnight, and beer is available from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. On weekends, legal holidays, and for private parties, alcohol service may start at 10:30 a.m. Limited restaurant licenses do not allow the sale of flavoured malt beverages or distilled spirits, and patrons must order food.
• Restaurants with a beer-only license: Beer can be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. On weekends, legal holidays, and for private parties, service may start at 10:30 a.m. Patrons are not required to order food.
• Bars: All types of alcohol can be served from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Food must be available at all times, but it is not mandatory for patrons to order food with their drinks.
• Taverns: Beer can be sold from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Food is not required to be ordered with the beer.
• Grocery and convenience stores: Beer and similar products like hard seltzers can be purchased at most grocery and convenience stores. Wine is not available in these stores and can only be bought at authorised state stores.
• Hotels: Alcoholic beverages can be ordered through the front desk, and a valid ID must be presented.
• State liquor stores: Higher ABV beer, wine, and liquor are available at Utah's state liquor stores, typically open Monday through Saturday, with varying closing times between 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. These stores are closed on Sundays.
• Breweries, wineries, and distilleries: These establishments can sell their products every day of the week, including Sundays, and to-go bottles are also available. However, containers must remain closed on the premises.

Alcoholic Beverages in National Parks

Each of Utah's five national parks has a liquor store nearby, and bars and restaurants can be easily found, especially in Springdale near Zion and Moab near Arches and Canyonlands. It is important to note that rules around alcohol consumption vary from park to park, so visitors should familiarise themselves with the regulations of the specific park they are visiting.

Frequently asked questions