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One of Utah's claims to fame is the unique way we deal with this form of
refreshment. Although it may seem like you can't get a drink in Utah, you really can,
it just takes a little more effort. Here are some of the rules and terminology to help
you figure it all out.
Not every restaurant serves liquor, and even if they do, they are not supposed to suggest
an alcoholic beverage, you have to ask for it.
A person must be at least 21 to purchase and consume alcohol in Utah. No one younger than 21
can be in a beer tavern, but minors can sit at the same restaurant table with adults who are
drinking alcoholic beverages.
With the exception of fine wines, so-called "brown bagging" is no longer legal in Utah. That
means diners cannot take their own liquor into a restaurant. This also means it is illegal
to bring your own cooler of beer onto a golf course or ball field.
Remember that Salt Lake City is 4,500 ft. above sea level, and even higher at the
ski areas. Please consume cautiously as alcohol has more of an effect at these higher
altitudes. Before drinking, you may want to consider Utah's stringent DUI laws so you can
make plans for a designated driver ahead of time.
Drinking In
The Rules
- Beer containing 3.2% alcohol content may be purchased seven days a week in
grocery and convenience stores.
- Liquor, wine and full-strength beer must be bought through a state-owned
liquor store.
The Stores
- State Liquor Stores
Open daily except Sundays and state and federal holidays. Credit cards and
checks accepted.
- Wine Stores
| Salt Lake Area |
1863 E. 7000 South; 942-6234
255 S. 300 East; 533-6444
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Drinking Out
- Beer Bars and Taverns
These establishments do not require memberships and may or may not have food. The
maximum alcohol content for beer sold in these venues is 3.2 percent by weight.
- Brew Pubs
Fresh beer is served here because it is brewed on the premises, they can also serve
wine coolers.
- Lounges
Lounges such as the one at the Salt Lake Airport can served beer, wine, or mixed drinks
with or without food (like a private club, but no membership is required)
- Private Clubs
Mixed drinks (a maximum of 2.75% alcohol, and if you request a double, the second shot will be
brought separately for you to mix yourself) may be purchased with or without a meal in Utah's non-exclusive private
clubs from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 a.m. Visitors are always welcome and may purchase a
2-week membership for a very nominal fee, which entitles the visitor to host up to five
guests. Another option is to find a member to host you. Full-fledged members can host an
unlimited
number of guests, and an annual membership is about $15-$20. Members can no longer host strangers.
- Restaurants
Alcoholic beverages are served with your meal in most fine restaurants and hotels from
noon until midnight. Ask your server for a liquor menu and/or beer or wine list. Utah has a
a broad range of restaurants with a liquor license, most of which are in the Salt Lake and
Park City areas.
DUI Penalties
It is against the law in Utah to drive a motor vehicle when your blood alcohol
content is .08 percent or more. That is about one or two drinks per hour depending on your
size.
- Automatic confiscation of driver's license
- Car impounded
- Criminal charges levied, arrested, incarcerated
- Driver's license revoked. If under 21, it will not be reinstated until 21st birthday
Here are a couple more links to follow for some informative and some funny accounts:
Beer and Tavern Reviews
From Gregg Smith
The History of Alcohol Prohibition
From druglibrary.org
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