Some alcohol laws in Utah are like everywhere else. Only adults over the age of majority can order and consume beer, wine and spirits in bars, pubs and restaurants, and – you guessed it – that legal age is 21. It`s the unique aspects of Utah`s alcohol laws that need to be explained a bit. Also! Utah has strict drinking and driving laws. The blood alcohol threshold in Utah is 0.05%. The lowest in the country. Here`s a quote from this NPR article to put that in perspective: Utah`s Wasatch Mountains are known for their beautiful alpine scenery, four epic outdoor recreation seasons, and two of the top-rated ski resorts in the United States with the best powder snow in the world! Located at the tip of Little Cottonwood Canyon, Alta Ski Resort has an alcoholic history and a history of prohibition, but most of Utah`s archaic and unusual alcohol laws have changed over the years and there are plenty of places to drink in the Wasatch Mountains. For a taste of Utah`s alcohol laws, check out abc.utah.gov/laws/law_residents. In recent years, alcohol laws have become more „normal,“ at least in some areas. It is true that the vague laws and regulations regarding the distribution of alcohol in Utah can make a person a little tired.
But here`s some good news: you can use BYOB (or BYOW) here. Customers can bring their own unopened wine into a restaurant that has a license to serve wine, but there are a few rules of etiquette and common sense to follow. In recent years, Utah has made progress in modernizing its alcohol laws. While some still worry about the modernity of these laws, not so long ago you needed a „private club membership“ to get into bars. Given the state`s past, the current alcohol landscape is very different from the traditional landscape. Whether you`re a longtime resident or recent transplant, a religious drinker or teetotaller, or just an interested observer of Utah culture, you`ll eventually have a question about alcohol laws in the Hive State. New alcohol laws in Utah were passed on November 1, 2019. This time, it was to facilitate access to a slightly higher percentage of beer. At the urging of beer vendors and consumers, Utah has updated the percentage of alcohol per volume of beer served on tap and in food stores/convenience stores from 4% to 5%. This seemingly minor change actually opened the door to a much larger selection of beers in local stores.
Strong alcohol still requires a trip to the liquor store, but many favorites of major brands have since been available in their unchanged forms. In fact, Budweiser was so happy with the change that they brought the Clydesdales into town to give beer 4% a public funeral procession. One of the biggest wrinkles of Utah`s liquor laws is the difference between a bar and a restaurant. It may not be a big problem elsewhere, but in Utah, it makes all the difference. Beer, spirits, and wine can still be ordered at a restaurant from 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m., but since the establishment is licensed as a restaurant, these drinks must be ordered with food. It`s often a point of interest and/or dismay for tourists, but it`s not as awkward as you think – a plate of fries for the table will work well (as will the excuse for ordering fries). You can either go with a wedding venue that already has a liquor license so they can sell you (but that means minors are not allowed) or you can pay for all the alcohol yourself, but no barrels. That is the extremely watered-down version, but that is essentially what the law says. Here`s a link to the full law: Utah Alcohol Laws for Weddings/Events The government-controlled liquor system has always drawn a fine line between providing alcohol to legal adults and completely separating itself from the beliefs of the dominant religion: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, whose members (including a majority of Utah officials, , which set the state`s alcohol laws) learn how to abstain from alcohol. Peruvian Bar, known locally as P-Dog, is one of the liveliest and most iconic après-ski bars in Alta-Snowbird Ski Resort.
Just steps from Wildcat`s base, P-Dog is a lively local hangout with eclectic décor, vintage Alta memorabilia, live music and DJs, plus comfy sofas and windowsills full of local legends and avid skiers. With a wide selection of local beers and spirits from Utah`s best breweries and distilleries, free popcorn and appetizers, and P-Dog`s legendary Schrotski boards, P-Dog is a must-see on your Alta vacation. Step back in time to the early days of the bird at SeventyOne, a groovy retro restaurant and bar located on the lower level of Snowbird`s Cliff Lodge. From vintage photos, vinyl booths and old-school game rooms to classic 70s food and cocktails, SeventyOne is family-friendly and fun! Whether you`re warming up inside or sharing after-drinks and small plates on the heated outdoor terrace, there`s an upbeat retro vibe and views of the Snowbirds` slopes. Whether you`re looking for a summer cocktail, roasts and beer at the Snowbird Oktoberfest, après-ski on the slopes, or even a little dance after dark after a wildflower hike in Albion Basin, here`s a guide to our favorite après-ski spots for enjoying local drinks at Utah`s Little Cottonwood Canyon. Located at Iron Blosam Lodge near the Snowbird Center, Wildflower Restaurant & Lounge is a local favorite for its upscale Italian cuisine and lively après-ski at Snowbird. Grab a stool at the bar for half price, warm up by the fireplace with friends, shoot pool, watch football, or book a table at Wildflower Restaurant for Little Cottonwood Canyon`s best pasta and pizza! Start your Alta Snowbird vacation today with Alta Chalets. Located at Alberta`s Snowpine Lodge, Gulch Pub is an elegant upscale bar with rustic chic décor, creative après-ski dishes, stunning views of Alta Ski Resort, and a wide selection of cleverly craft cocktails, fine wines by the glass or bottle, and local beers from Salt Lake City`s best breweries. Settle in for the evening or book a table for a fine dining experience at Swen`s Restaurant. While our winter guests at Alta Ski Resort and Snowbird Ski Resort take the world-famous slopes more seriously than „après-ski,“ some of Utah`s most legendary après-ski bars and restaurants are right on our doorstep! Beer can also be purchased at establishments that have a „beer only“ licence. These include taverns, pubs, some restaurants or cafes, snack bars, etc.
Beer service in a tavern or bar does not require you to order food. Guests under the age of 21 are not allowed to stay on the premises of some beer establishments. A person can bring a bottle of wine to a DABC-licensed restaurant or bar – with the company`s permission. The restaurant or bar may also charge a corkage fee for this service, but is not obligated to do so. While you probably didn`t think Salt Lake had a good enough nightlife. Other than a restaurant, bar or other licensed establishment, the only place to buy wine, liquor or spirits is a government-run liquor store. Think ahead, as they are not open on Sundays and holidays. The good news is that prices are the same nationally. There are three state-owned liquor stores in Park City and a number of outlets at some hotels and lodges: Salt Lake is a place where diverse leisure activities, cultures, and landscapes meet in a modern mountainous center of the West. The vibrant urban metropolis is just 10 minutes from the new SLC International Airport and just 35 minutes from world-class mountain recreation. Liquor stores are the only places where consumers can buy vodka, whiskey, rum and other distilled spirits.
These are also the only places to buy wine or beer with more than 5% alcohol. The only exception? Licensed distilleries in Utah are allowed to sell their products directly to consumers. (You can even do this on Sundays when state-run liquor stores are closed.) Memorial House (temporarily closed due to COVID-19) State liquor stores accept cash, cheques and credit cards. All liquor stores in the state are closed on Sundays and holidays and often close as early as 7 p.m. Plan your celebrations and libations accordingly. The state`s blood alcohol limit will increase from 0.08 percent to 0.05 percent, making it the strictest law in the country. Utah consumers have never been able to join these popular wine clubs of the month because the state is one of the few to ban the direct sale of alcohol at home or in the office, according to Free the Grapes, a grassroots national organization that works to improve wine choice for consumers. As the sun sets over the Oquirrh Mountains, Salt Lake`s bars, clubs and nightclubs shine with entertainment. Choose from intimate piano clubs, a bohemian music scene, or upscale cocktail bars. But you`d better stick to beer. Distilling spirits into your home is prohibited by federal law. Liquor stores are open Monday through Saturday, usually from 11 a.m.
to 7 p.m. — though some stay open until 10 p.m.