Though Utah sustains some nightlife vibe, it’s not uncommon for visitors to get thrown off by the Beehive State’s conservative take on liquor laws. We’ve all heard the stories of beer runs with visitors who are crestfallen to see that brews sold in grocery stores cannot legally exceed 5% ABV. While these laws may be a bit different than those of neighboring states, a bit of knowledge is all you need to help you avoid an awkward moment with the wait staff at a restaurant that you think might be a bar, or a bar that looks like a restaurant.
Perhaps the first thing to know is that Utah restaurants and bars are legally considered two different entities when it comes to alcohol service. Yes, most bars serve food, and yes, plenty of restaurants have bars, but drink ordering etiquette typically depends on whether you’re at a location that can be legally classified as a “bar” or a “restaurant.”
Locations that are considered restaurants have more limitations on alcohol service, the most notable being that alcoholic beverages cannot be served unless there is also food at the table. All this really means is that diners might need to wait a bit longer for drinks to arrive unless they order some appetizers first, so don’t get upset at your servers if your drinks arrive with your meal.
In contrast to restaurants, locations that are designated as bars make it slightly easier to open a tab and keep the drinks coming, with or without food. Bars are typically recognized by the fact that guests need to be over 21 and prove it by scanning an official, unexpired ID like a driver’s license before they can be admitted. Make sure everyone in your party has their ID with them—even if you’re hitting the pubs with your great grandpa, he’s not getting in unless he’s ready to get carded.
One thing to keep in mind when frequenting a Utah bar is that bartenders cannot legally mix a drink with more than 2.5 total ounces of alcohol. Most local bartenders still know how to whip up a mean cocktail despite these legal limitations, but don’t roll up to the club expecting heavy pours.
If you’re hosting a get-together of your own and are in short supply of booze, your best bet is to hit up one of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services (DABS) liquor stores. They’re state-run establishments where patrons can purchase wine, liquor, and beer that has an ABV higher than 5%. That said, liquor that exceeds 80% ABV like Everclear is illegal and is not sold anywhere in Utah. The Park City area is home to three of these locations:
- DABS Utah State Liquor Store #36 – 460 Swede Alley
- DABS Utah State Liquor Store #37 – 1612 Ute Boulevard
- DABS Utah State Liquor Store #38 – 1550 Snow Creek Drive
These liquor stores are typically open from 11 am to 10 pm, but they’re closed on Sunday and most holidays so make sure you plan ahead. For more info, check out abs.utah.gov.
