Jason Wagner
If you're looking to buy beer and wine in Utah, you'll need to be 21 or older and head to a state-licensed establishment. State liquor and wine stores, operated by the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services, offer a full range of alcoholic beverages, including liqueurs, wines, spirits, and full-strength beers. These stores are typically open Monday through Saturday and are closed on Sundays and holidays. You can also find package agencies, which are liquor outlets operated by private entities under contract with the state, in smaller towns and resorts. Beer and similar products can be purchased at grocery and convenience stores, but for wine, you'll need to stick to authorized state stores or specialty wine stores.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legal drinking age | 21 years old |
| Types of alcoholic beverages available | Beer, wine, and spirits |
| Places to buy alcoholic beverages | State liquor stores, Package agencies, grocery stores, convenience stores, hotels, and resorts |
| Forms of accepted ID | Valid U.S. driver's license, military identification card, or official U.S. state-issued identification card |
| Payment methods at state liquor stores | Cash, checks, and credit cards |
| Days and hours of operation for state liquor stores | Monday to Saturday, 11 am to 5 pm-10 pm (varying by location); closed on Sundays and holidays |
| Blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for driving | 0.05% |
What You'll Learn
State-run liquor and wine stores
Utah has more than 40 state-run liquor and wine stores, which are generally open Monday to Saturday from 11 am to between 5 pm and 10 pm. These stores are closed on Sundays and holidays, and some close as early as 7 pm. The stores are operated by state employees and carry a full line of liqueurs, wines, spirits, and some full-strength beers.
State-run liquor stores are the only place to buy wine in Utah, and they also stock packaged liquor, and heavy beer (more than 5% ABV). You can find a full list of all store locations on the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services (UDABS) website.
Utah is one of 17 control states, which means the state has a monopoly over the wholesaling and retailing of some or all alcoholic beverages. The state has controlled the liquor industry (except 4.0% beer) through these state-run outlets since 1935.
The state's liquor laws are based on the general philosophy of making alcoholic beverages available in a manner that reasonably satisfies public demand. However, the state does not promote or encourage the sale or use of alcohol. Instead, the control over alcohol sales allows the state to promote moderation in consumption and reduce alcohol abuse.
In addition to the state-run liquor and wine stores, there are also over 100 Package Agencies across Utah. These are liquor outlets operated by private individuals or corporate entities under contract with the state. Package Agencies are located in smaller communities, wineries, breweries, distilleries, and hotels.
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Package agencies
In Utah, there are over 100 Package Agencies where you can buy beer and wine. These are liquor outlets operated by private individuals or corporate entities under contract with the state. They are located in smaller towns and cities that are too small to have a state-run liquor store, as well as in wineries, distilleries, breweries, resorts, and hotels.
In addition to Package Agencies, Utah also has state-run liquor stores that carry a full line of liqueurs, wines, spirits, and some full-strength beers. These stores are found in the more populated areas of the state.
It's important to note that Utah has strict laws regulating the sale and consumption of alcohol. The legal drinking age in Utah is 21, and a valid ID is required to purchase alcohol. The state also has a monopoly over the wholesaling and retailing of alcoholic beverages, and alcohol is not permitted to be sold after 1:00 a.m.
Utah's liquor laws have evolved over time, becoming less restrictive, especially after the 2002 Winter Olympics. Despite this, the state still has some of the most restrictive alcohol laws in the United States, influenced by the large population of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which advises against alcohol consumption for its members.
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Grocery and convenience stores
In Utah, beer and similar products like hard seltzers can be purchased at most grocery and convenience stores. However, there are some restrictions to be aware of. Firstly, only beer with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of up to 5% can be sold in these stores. This law came into effect in November 2019, replacing an 86-year-old law that limited beer to 3.2% ABV.
In addition to grocery and convenience stores, there are over 100 package stores across the state that sell beer, wine, and spirits. These package agencies are often located in smaller towns and in hotels and resorts for customer convenience.
It's important to note that wine is not available in grocery stores and can only be purchased at authorised state stores or specialty wine stores. These specialty wine stores, found in downtown Salt Lake City, offer limited-production wine, beer, and liquor with a diverse and constantly changing selection.
When purchasing alcohol in Utah, it is crucial to have a valid form of identification. Only those who are 21 years of age or older are permitted to buy or consume alcoholic beverages. Accepted forms of ID include a valid US driver's license, a military identification card with a photo and date of birth, or an official US state-issued identification card.
While grocery and convenience stores offer a convenient option for purchasing beer, for a wider variety of alcoholic beverages, including higher ABV beers, wine, and liquor, one must visit the state-run liquor stores or package agencies.
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Breweries, wineries and distilleries
Utah's craft brewing scene is thriving, with craft breweries of all sizes found throughout the state. In 2013, there were 18 breweries operating in Utah, and by September 2022, this number had increased to 40. While Utah has the lowest total beer consumption in the nation, its breweries have won medals at the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) and other prestigious competitions.
Some notable breweries in Utah include the Moab Brewery in Moab, Wasatch Brew Pub, Uinta Brewing, Squatter's Pub Brewery, Red Rock Brewery, Epic Brewing Company, and Roosters Brewing Co, all in Salt Lake City. Outside of Salt Lake City, you can find Templin Family Brewing, Proper Brewing Co, and Fisher Brewery.
When it comes to wineries, I/G Winery in Cedar City is a popular choice. They offer a range of locally-made and blended wines using grapes sourced from various regions, including Washington, Oregon, California, and Utah. You can enjoy a wine flight in their tasting room or on their patio, surrounded by a cosy ambiance.
Utah also has its fair share of distilleries, with 23 currently in operation. Some notable ones include High West Distillery in Park City, Beehive Distillery in Ogden, and Sugar House Distillery in Salt Lake City. These distilleries are known for their unique spirits and craft distillation processes.
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Hotels and resorts
Additionally, hotels and resorts may have package agencies on-site, which are smaller stores that offer a more modest selection of liquor, wine, and heavy beer. These package agencies are located in hotels and resorts for customer convenience.
Utah's liquor laws are based on the general philosophy of making alcoholic beverages available in a manner that reasonably satisfies public demand. However, the state does not promote or encourage the sale or use of alcohol. Instead, it believes that moderation can best be achieved by controlling the consumption of alcohol.
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Frequently asked questions
Beer and wine can be purchased at Utah state liquor stores. There are also smaller stores called "package agencies" that offer a more modest selection of these products. Package agencies are often located in smaller cities, towns, and in hotels and resorts for customer convenience.
Beer can also be purchased in establishments that have a "beer-only" type license. These include taverns, beer bars, some restaurants or cafes, and snack bars.
Beer and similar products like hard seltzers may be purchased at most grocery and convenience stores in Utah. Wine is not available in grocery stores and can only be bought at authorized state stores.
Alcohol must be ordered through the hotel front desk, as they just need to check IDs. Many hotels offer alcoholic beverages via room service.
