Utah's Sunday Beer Buying Hours: When Can You Buy?

Utah's liquor laws have been modernised in recent years, but they can still be tricky to navigate. Alcohol is regulated by the state, which aims to make alcoholic beverages available in a way that satisfies public demand without promoting or encouraging their sale or use. So, what time can you buy beer on a Sunday in Utah?

State-run liquor stores are closed on Sundays, so you won't be able to buy wine, liquor, or beer over 5% ABV. However, grocery and convenience stores are open, so you can buy beer and similar products like hard seltzers, up to 5% ABV. Breweries, wineries, and distilleries can also sell their products seven days a week, so you can buy directly from them. Additionally, any restaurant or bar can reseal an unfinished bottle of wine or cider for you to take away, as long as it was opened on their premises.

Beer can be purchased in grocery and convenience stores on Sundays

In November 2019, a new bill replaced an 86-year-old law that limited the alcohol content of beer sold in grocery and convenience stores to 3.2% ABV. The new legislation allows beers with 4% alcohol by weight or 5% ABV to be sold in these stores, in addition to draft beer at bars and restaurants.

Utah's liquor laws have evolved significantly over the years, particularly since the 2002 Winter Olympics, making it easier for visitors to the state to purchase and consume alcohol. For instance, it is no longer necessary to have a "private club membership" to enter bars, and the alcohol by volume percentage of beer served in grocery and convenience stores has increased.

It's important to note that Utah has strict laws regarding the consumption of alcohol in public places. Additionally, the state has the strictest DUI limit in the country at 0.05%, so it's recommended to use public transportation or services like Uber and Lyft if you plan on drinking.

State-run liquor stores are closed on Sundays

While it is possible to buy beer, wine, and spirits in Utah on a Sunday, it is a little more challenging. State-run liquor stores are closed on Sundays, as well as on holidays. These stores are the only places to buy wine and spirits in the state, so if you want to purchase these on a Sunday, you will need to be creative.

Firstly, it is legal to bring up to nine liters of liquor into the state of Utah for personal consumption. So, if you are close to the border, you could pop over to Nevada, Wyoming, or Idaho and stock up there.

Secondly, Utah-based distillers can sell their products directly to consumers 365 days a year. So, if you are happy to buy local, you can visit a distillery and purchase vodka, gin, bourbon, whiskey, and more, direct from the manufacturer.

Thirdly, brewers and winemakers can sell their products on Sundays and holidays, provided it is from their manufacturing facility. So, you can buy beer and wine straight from the source, seven days a week.

Finally, if you are in a restaurant or bar, you can buy any type of alcohol, as long as it is accompanied by food. So, if you are happy to order a plate of fries or similar, you can enjoy a drink with your meal.

While Utah has a reputation for strict liquor laws, it has been making strides to modernize in recent years. However, as a control state, it believes that moderation is best achieved by controlling, rather than encouraging, the consumption of alcohol.

Alcohol can be ordered in restaurants from 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Sundays

In Utah, alcohol laws have been updated in recent years to make drinking in the state more accessible. One of the most notable changes is that, as of November 2019, beers with 4% alcohol by weight or 5% ABV can be sold in grocery stores, convenience stores, and on tap at bars and restaurants.

If you are looking to purchase alcohol from a store on a Sunday, you may encounter some challenges. State-run liquor stores are closed on Sundays, but there are a few alternative options. Breweries, wineries, and distilleries are allowed to sell their products every day of the week, including Sundays. Additionally, Utah-based distillers can legally sell their products directly to consumers 365 days a year.

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.

Alcohol can be purchased from breweries, wineries and distilleries on Sundays

In Utah, alcohol laws are based on the philosophy of making alcoholic beverages available while reasonably satisfying public demand. However, the state does not promote or encourage alcohol consumption. So, while you can buy alcohol in Utah, there are some unique aspects to the state's liquor laws that are worth noting.

One notable aspect is the distinction between bars and restaurants. Beer, liquor, and wine can be ordered in a restaurant from 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m., but since it is licensed as a restaurant, these drinks must be accompanied by food. Taverns, breweries, and bars, on the other hand, are allowed to sell alcohol during the same hours as restaurants, but they do not require patrons to order food.

Another important point is that state-run liquor stores, which sell wine, liquor, and beer, are closed on Sundays and holidays. However, breweries, wineries, and distilleries can sell their products every day of the week, including Sundays. This means that even on Sundays, you can purchase alcohol directly from these establishments. Additionally, some restaurants and bars can reseal a partially consumed bottle of wine or cider for you to take home, according to Utah code 32B-5-307, section 3d.

Utah has strict laws regarding alcohol, including the nation's strictest DUI limit of 0.05%. It is important to note that only adults aged 21 and above are permitted to purchase and consume alcohol in the state. Proper identification, such as a valid driver's license, military ID, or state-issued ID, is always required when purchasing alcohol.

Alcohol can be purchased from bars on Sundays

In addition to bars, there are other options for purchasing alcohol on Sundays in Utah. Grocery and convenience stores are generally open on Sundays and sell beer and similar products like hard seltzers, up to 5% ABV. Breweries, wineries, and distilleries are also permitted to sell their products to the public seven days a week, including Sundays. These establishments can be a great option for those looking to purchase alcohol directly from the manufacturers.

It's worth noting that state-run liquor stores in Utah are closed on Sundays and holidays. These stores offer a wider selection of alcoholic beverages, including liquor, wine, and stronger beers. However, Utah-based distillers and breweries can legally sell their products directly to consumers 365 days a year if they choose to do so. This provides an alternative option for purchasing liquor, wine, strong beer, and cider on Sundays and holidays.

When purchasing alcohol in Utah, it is important to remember that the legal drinking age is 21, and a valid ID is required. The state has strict regulations and enforcement measures in place to ensure responsible consumption and prevent underage drinking. Overall, while alcohol is available for purchase from bars and other establishments on Sundays in Utah, it is important to be mindful of the specific laws and time restrictions in place.

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