Utah has historically been known for having outdated beer laws. Utah’s beer laws have come a long way, though, and the state has made it easier to purchase beer.
Keep reading for a comprehensive look at Utah’s beer laws, when you can buy it, and other rules regarding the ABV of beer allowed in bars, restaurants, and retail locations.
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Is Utah a dry state?
A dry area is one where alcohol sales or consumption are either extremely limited or illegal. There are no dry states in the United States.
Utah is not a dry state. However, there are a handful of cities that do not sell alcohol or only allow it with the purchase of a beverage.
These cities fall within counties in Utah, and such rules apply specifically to these cities.
Does Utah have any dry counties?
Utah is not a dry state and does not have any dry counties. It does have dry cities and towns.
As of 2018 in Utah, there are 9 dry cities:
- Aneth – The possession, manufacture, or delivery of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
- Aurora
- Blanding – The sale of alcoholic beverages has been prohibited since 1967.
- Hatch
- Highland
- Holden
- Navajo Mountain – The possession, manufacture, or delivery of alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
- Scipio
- White Mesa
When can you buy beer in Utah?
Different places in Utah sell beer at different times. These can vary from city to city and from location to location.
You can buy beer in Utah any day of the week, including Sundays. Bars and restaurants are open at 10 a.m. at the earliest but gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores can sell beer during all hours of operation.
Certain cities may separate laws from what the state allows, but the rules in this guide are at the state level.
Can you buy beer on Sunday in Utah?
You can buy beer on Sunday in Utah.
On Sundays in Utah, restaurants with a limited license can sell beer from 10:30 a.m. to midnight. You must order food to be able to drink beer at restaurants in Utah. Beer-only locations like taverns, bowling alleys, and ski resorts sell beer on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.
These Sunday times also apply to legal holidays.
When do bars close in Utah?
Patrons can order beer any day at a bar in Utah.
Bars in Utah are open any day from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Bars can serve draft beer of 5% ABV and lower – beer higher than 5% ABV must be sold in cans or bottles.
You don’t need to order food to have a drink at a bar in Utah.
Where can you buy beer in Utah?
Heavy beer – those that have a greater than 5% ABV – purchased to-go must be done so at a Utah state liquor store or from the brewery itself. Other than that, there are few places to purchase beer, each with some kind of stipulation.
Locations that sell beer in Utah include:
- Bars and restaurants
- Gas stations
- Grocery stores
- Liquor stores
- Breweries and taprooms
These locations have different rules and regulations for the kind of beer they can sell and when.
Continue reading for more information on when these places can sell beer, how much beer they can sell, and when they can sell it.
Bars and restaurants
Bars in Utah can sell beer any day from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m, including Sundays. Restaurants can sell beer Monday to Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m and 10:30 to midnight on Sundays. Heavy beer sales in bars and restaurants stop at midnight. You must dine in at a restaurant to be able to drink a beer there.
Bars and restaurants offer beer on tap. As of June 1, 2022, Utah bars and restaurants have the option to sell beer to-go.
Gas stations
Gas stations and convenience stores in Utah sell beer from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. every day. These locations can only acquire beer-only licensees and offer non-heavy beer in original packaging.
These locations sell cans and bottles of beer.
Grocery stores
Grocery stores in Utah can sell non-heavy beer any day from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. These stores do not require the purchase of food or other grocery items with the purchase of beer.
Utah grocery stores sell beer in 12 oz. cans or bottles.
Package and liquor stores
Liquor stores in Utah are the only place to buy heavy beer to-go. These stores can range in hours of operation and some close as early as 7 p.m. This is where you can buy beer without limits on quantity or ABV.
Utah liquor stores sell beer in cans and bottles in a variety of sizes from 12 oz. cases to 24 oz. singles.
Breweries and taprooms
Breweries and taprooms in Utah are open every day from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. but most close at midnight at the latest. Hours can differ among different breweries. Sunday sales are permitted and breweries with full-service licenses do not require the sale of food with the sale of beer.
Breweries in Utah can fill growlers if the beer on tap is lower than 5%. These locations can sell heavy beer until midnight.
Can you get beer delivered in Utah?
Beer delivery in Utah is currently unavailable. Although efforts have been made to legalize it, beer delivery is illegal indefinitely.
You cannot get beer delivered in Utah.
What is the minimum drinking age in Utah?
The minimum drinking age in the United States is 21. There are some exceptions in a few states for minors to have a beer with their parents, but Utah is not one of them.
The minimum drinking age in Utah is 21.
It is illegal for minors to consume alcohol, and those selling it are required to check the verified I.D. of anyone they presume to be under 21. Violations of this rule can result in legal action against an individual seller or business entity.
Can minors drink beer in Utah with their parents?
Some states allow parents to give their kids alcohol during dinner or permit minors to have a drink for religious purposes.
It is illegal for minors to drink beer in Utah under any circumstance. Both the child and parent or parents could face legal consequences for furnishing a minor with beer.
It’s illegal for minors in Utah to possess alcohol.
Drinking laws in Utah
Utah has some of the most fluid beer and alcohol laws in the country. It can be hard to pin down accurate laws and legal dos and don’ts of the state drinking.
In general, beer can be purchased in most places in Utah. It was the first state to reduce legal BAC for drinking and driving to 0.08% from 0.10%, and then again to 0.05%.
Utah has made recent changes to modernize its beer laws, but some, even ones that have just been introduced, are still dated.
Can you buy growlers and other unsealed beer containers in Utah?
Growler fills are still illegal in Utah. However, pre-packaged growlers are legal.
Growlers that are pre-packed in sealed containers from a licensed brewery are legal and can be sold from breweries. Sixty-four-ounce growlers are the largest container of beer that an individual can buy in Utah.
Open container
Open container laws in Utah are similar to those in other states, and they’re straightforward.
Open containers are illegal in Utah for both drivers and passengers in motor vehicles. This does not apply to passengers of motorboats, taxis, or limousines.
Violation of this law is a class C misdemeanor and can result in up to 90 days in jail and up to a $750 fine.
Driving
Driving under the influence is illegal in Utah.
The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05% and anything higher can result in a DUI conviction.
Under 21 years old
Utah has a zero-tolerance policy for underage driving.
Anyone under the age of 21 with any amount of alcohol in their blood while operating a motor vehicle can be convicted of DUI and face consequences depending on the number of previous offenses.
Penalties are also contingent on the outcome of your alcohol test when you get pulled over for underage drinking and driving.
21 years and older
The legal BAC limit in Utah changed in 2019.
The legal limit for drinking and driving in Utah for those over 21 years old is 0.05% BAC. Violation of this law results in different consequences depending on the number of prior convictions, ranging from $1,310-2,850 in fines and 180 days to five years in prison.
Second- and third-time offenders of this law will have their license suspended for at least two years.
Summary of Utah’s beer and alcohol laws
In Utah, you can buy beer at all licensed retailers every day. Bars are open from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m but must cease the sale of heavy beers (those with an ABV greater than 5%) at midnight. Restaurants can sell beer Monday to Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m and from 10:30 a.m. to midnight on Sundays. Only liquor stores may sell heavy beer to go.
FAQs
Can grocery stores sell beer on Sunday in Utah? ›
Beer is available from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. On weekends (Saturday and Sunday), legal holidays and for private parties, alcohol service may begin at 10:30 AM.
Can you buy beer at Walmart in Utah on Sunday? ›Yes, for the most part.
However, the following states legally prohibit the sale of alcohol on Sundays: Montana, Tennessee, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Utah.
Grocery and Convenience Stores: 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. Hotels: Alcohol must be ordered through the front desk, as they just need to check IDs.
Can you buy beer at gas stations in Utah? ›You can buy 5% alcohol by volume beer practically everywhere: grocery stores, gas stations, arenas, festivals, and events. An establishment with a Beer-only License may serve beer from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 a.m. Venues with a Limited Service Liquor License may serve wine and beer from 11:30 a.m. - Midnight.
Does Utah sell alcohol in grocery stores? ›Grocery stores and convenience stores: You can buy beer that is 5% ABV at most grocery stores and convenience stores every day of the week. In addition to these locations, package stores across the state (there are more than 100 of them) sell a selection of beer, wine and spirits.
Does 7 11 sell beer in Utah? ›Whether you want ice-cold beer, wine, ice cream, a Big Bite hot dog, Big Gulp or tasty Slurpee we deliver 24/7. Visit your local 7-Eleven today.
Does Salt Lake City sell alcohol on Sunday? ›Utah Liquor stores are closed on Sundays, state & federal holidays. Wine is served in restaurants, bars and can also be purchased at the state liquor stores. The old 3.2% alcohol by weight beer (which was actually 4% alcohol by volume, a more common measure) was sold in retail locations, grocery stores, etc.
Can you buy beer in St George Utah on Sunday? ›All state liquor stores are closed on Sundays and holidays, and often close as early as 7 p.m. Plan your celebrations and libations accordingly.
Are there dry counties in Utah? ›Five counties don't have a bar • Daggett, Piute, Rich and Wayne counties — four of the state's least-populated regions — do not have a single watering hole, although there are restaurants where you can order an alcoholic beverage as long as you order food.
Does Walgreens sell beer in Utah? ›Yes, you can buy liquor at Walgreens. You have an option to buy in-store or shop online on their website for alcoholic beverages.
Can you order beer in Salt Lake City? ›
There are liquor stores, corner stores, supermarkets and restaurants selling alcohol for delivery via Uber Eats.
Does Utah only sell 3.2 beer? ›Current Utah laws
Utah laws restrict supermarkets operating within the state to only sell packaged beer up to 5.0% ABV (or 4.0% alcohol by weight); beer containing alcohol greater than this amount (as well as liquor and wine) can only be sold at state-controlled liquor stores.
Grocery stores (food markets) and convenience stores (often at gas stations) are only allowed to sell low alcohol beer and no wine or liquor. This beer is usually known as "3-2" beer in the USA as it is 3.2% alcohol by weight (4% ABV). Wine, liquor, and some beers are sold in Utah State Liquor Stores.
Does Park City serve alcohol on Sundays? ›Full strength beers can be purchased at bars or the state liquor store. The only place to purchase bottled wine, liquor or full strength beer is the state liquor stores. There are three liquor stores in Park City and they are all closed on Sunday and major holidays.
Does Winco sell beer in Utah? ›Yes they do they even have a separate liquor section located in the front of the store.
What is the Zion curtain law? ›And unlike the actual Iron Curtain that once separated the former Soviet bloc from the West, there is no free flow of people following the fall of the Zion Curtain. The rules state that in restaurants without the partition, minors must be kept at least ten feet from anywhere alcohol is poured.
How many beers can you have in Utah? ›How many drinks can I have at once in Utah? If you're dining at a restaurant you can have any of the following combinations of drinks at once (often referred to, as in front of you): One cocktail and a single 5% ABV beer. Two 5% ABV beers, or a “flight” of beers in separate glasses, but totaling 16 ounces or less.
Do grocery stores in Utah sell vodka? ›Liquor stores are the only places consumers can buy vodka, whiskey, rum and other distilled spirits. They also are the only places to buy wine or beer that is higher than 5% ABV. The one exception?
Do the Utah Jazz sell beer? ›During Utah Jazz home games, alcohol sales cease at the end of the third quarter. For all other events, alcohol sales cease approximately 60 minutes prior to the end of any event. Management reserves the right to cease alcohol sales at their discretion.
Is it illegal to bring alcohol into Utah? ›No one else may import, provide, sell, or supply alcohol. Exceptions under 32B-4-414 Unlawful possession: There are some exceptions for imported alcohol for personal consumption only. Possession of alcohol may never be brought into Utah by individuals to be re-sold for any reason.
What state has the most restrictive alcohol laws? ›
Kansas's alcohol laws are among the strictest in the United States. Kansas prohibited all alcohol from 1881 to 1948, and continued to prohibit on-premises sales of alcohol from 1949 to 1987. Sunday sales only have been allowed since 2005. Today, 3 counties still do not permit the on-premises sale of alcohol.
Is everything closed on Sunday in Salt Lake City? ›Keep in mind that many Salt Lake City stores are closed on Sundays (the influence of the LDS Church); typical store hours are Monday through Saturday from 9am to 6pm. Shopping malls are often open Sunday afternoons from noon to 5 or 6pm, and also stay open a few hours later on weeknights.
What is the alcohol tax in Utah? ›| Sales Tax | 4.70% Utah Code 59-12-103: Sales and Use Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Use Tax | 4.70% Utah Code 59-12-103 |
| Liquor Tax | Beer $12.80 per barrel; 13% retail purchase price all other Utah Code 59-15-101: Beer Tax |
| Gambling Tax | Boxing Promoters: 5% total gross receipts |
Liquor by the drink, beer and wine may be sold, offered for sale, or given a way to any license premises on Sundays, Thanksgiving Day and Memorial Day under the same rules, limitations, and conditions as apply to all other days of the week for which the sale of liquor, beer and wine is permitted by law.
Can you buy beer in St George? ›State Liquor Stores:
In Utah, any alcoholic beverage containing more than 4.0% alcohol is considered a “liquor” and the only stores in the state that can sell it are operated by the state. Saint George's two state liquor stores actually offer a fair variety of liquors, wines, champagnes and beers.
Beer and wine sales are allowed on Sunday after 12:30pm. You know, after church. You will find beer and wine in all major grocery stores and most convenience stores in Blue Ridge. Ingles tends to have the best selection.
Does Wake county sell beer on Sundays? ›What are the lawful hours regarding the sale of alcoholic beverages? A permitted outlet may sale alcoholic beverages during the following times: Monday – Saturday: 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. Sunday: 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
When did Utah stop being a dry state? ›In 1919 Utah quickly ratified the Eighteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution prohibiting "the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors . . . for beverage purposes." But in February 1933 Utah became the thirty-sixth and deciding state to approve the Twenty-first Amendment abolishing ...
Is alcohol more expensive in Utah? ›Utah has some of the highest liquor prices in the country, according to an Axios analysis of liquor prices in all 50 states.
Is Utah a very dry state? ›No, Utah is not a "dry state" in the traditional sense of the term. In a dry state, the sale and consumption of alcohol are entirely prohibited. Despite Utah's religious teachings and having the largest population of Latter-day Saints(LSD) in the U.S. (66%), several attempts to make Utah a dry state have failed.
What beers are sold in Utah? ›
- American Amber / Red Ale.
- American Barleywine.
- American Black Ale.
- American Blonde Ale.
- American Brown Ale.
- American Double / Imperial IPA.
Under SB119, restaurants could offer liquor to go if: The drink is in an original, sealed container. It is not more than 12 ounces. It does not contain more than 10% alcohol by volume — or 8% by weight.
Does the University of Utah sell alcohol? ›The University of Utah is a dry campus. Use, possession, and distribution of alcoholic beverages of any type, including beer, on university premises, including all HRE facilities and properties on and off campus, is prohibited except as expressly permitted by law and university regulations.
Does Utah have a alcohol delivery service? ›Shop Utah Liquor - Buy Online | Drizly.
Can you have beer shipped to your house in Utah? ›It is ILLEGAL to receive alcoholic beverages through the US Postal service or any other courier service.
Will Utah ever allow alcohol delivery? ›| Feb. 22, 2021, 6:00 a.m. | Updated: 9:52 a.m. A consumer-friendly service currently banned in Utah — online beer and liquor ordering— could become legal, under a bill released recently in the Legislature.
Why does Utah have 3.2 beer? ›Utah's 3.2 law dates back 86 years. Nine months before Prohibition was officially repealed, Congress passed the Cullen-Harrison Act, which allowed the production of 3.2 percent beer. It was a major step at a time when making alcohol was not allowed.
When did Utah get rid of 3.2 beer? ›On August 21, Utah's low alcohol beer restriction ends an 86 year run which dates back to the Cullen-Harrison Act in 1933. Signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, that act legalized the sale of beer in the US with an alcohol content of 3.2%.
Is Utah beer watered down? ›SALT LAKE CITY ” The Utah Senate has decided against allowing the sale of full-strength draft beer in bars and restaurants. Currently, draft beer can contain no more than 3.2 percent alcohol by weight, or 4 percent by volume.
Can you drink beer at a park in Utah? ›Unlawful consumption in public place. A person may not consume liquor in a public building, park, or stadium, except as provided by this title.
Is Park City a dry county? ›
Utah's a desert, but it's not dry. Besides the dozens of drinking establishments in town, you can purchase strong beer, wine and spirits from one of the three Park City state-run liquor stores or hotel outlets, and 3.2 percent beer in any grocery store.
Can you drink alcohol in local parks? ›It is generally illegal to drink in public in California outside of a licensed venue such as a bar, restaurant or tavern. State and local laws make it an infraction to possess an open container of alcohol in public and a misdemeanor for a minor to possess any alcohol in public.
Can you walk around with alcohol at city Walk? ›According to Universal Studios' Policies for both Orlando and Hollywood theme parks, alcohol is prohibited, as well as open containers or drinks containing alcohol. Before entering Universal Studios theme parks or CityWalk, you will need to pass through Security.
Can I buy beer on Sunday in Utah? ›Beer is available from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. On weekends (Saturday and Sunday), legal holidays and for private parties, alcohol service may begin at 10:30 AM.
What is the most bought beer in Utah? ›| State | Most Popular Beer |
|---|---|
| Wisconsin | Budweiser |
| Alaska | Corona |
| Washington | Corona |
| Utah | Corona |
GEORGE — Following the decision by the Utah Legislature to pass a measure that allows stores in Utah to sell higher strength beer effective Nov. 1, the St. George Costco has once again started selling beer to Southern Utah residents for the first time in years.
Do they sell alcohol on Sundays in Salt Lake City? ›Utah Liquor stores are closed on Sundays, state & federal holidays. Wine is served in restaurants, bars and can also be purchased at the state liquor stores. The old 3.2% alcohol by weight beer (which was actually 4% alcohol by volume, a more common measure) was sold in retail locations, grocery stores, etc.
Does Utah have strict alcohol laws? ›The alcohol laws of Utah regulate the selling and purchasing of alcohol in the U.S. state of Utah and are some of the most restrictive in the United States. A person must be 21 years old or older to buy or consume alcohol.
Can you buy beer at Utah Jazz Games? ›During Utah Jazz home games, alcohol sales cease at the end of the third quarter. For all other events, alcohol sales cease approximately 60 minutes prior to the end of any event. Outside alcohol may not be brought into any event at Vivint Arena.
Why are stores closed on Sundays in Utah? ›Sunday closing laws were also called blue laws. In 1943, the Utah law succumbed to the same fate as most blue laws when the Utah Supreme Court overruled the legislation as being too ambiguous regarding which businesses could open and which could not.
Is anything open in Salt Lake City on Sunday? ›
From brewpub to BBQ, Mexican to Mediterranean, there's virtually nothing you can't find open on Sunday now. From breakfast through brunch to lunch and late night eats – you'll be covered all day long. And yes, even bars open on Sunday in Salt Lake City too.
Can you drive with alcohol in the car in Utah? ›Utah law prohibits any person from possessing or consuming an alcoholic beverage in a vehicle if: the beverage is open or has a broken seal, or. the contents of the beverage have been partially removed.
Can I drink a beer and drive in Utah? ›Although in all other states in the U.S. the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is . 08 or higher, Utah sets that limit at . 05 for drivers 21 years of age and older.
What state has the strictest alcohol laws? ›Kansas's alcohol laws are among the strictest in the United States. Kansas prohibited all alcohol from 1881 to 1948, and continued to prohibit on-premises sales of alcohol from 1949 to 1987. Sunday sales only have been allowed since 2005. Today, 3 counties still do not permit the on-premises sale of alcohol.
Is beer in Utah weaker? ›The Utah liquor monopoly is legal
Utah, however, is the only state that still maintains full retail control of beer higher than 5% ABV.
The only place to purchase bottled wine, liquor or full strength beer is the state liquor stores. There are three liquor stores in Park City and they are all closed on Sunday and major holidays.
Is Utah a dry state alcohol? ›No, Utah is not a "dry state" in the traditional sense of the term. In a dry state, the sale and consumption of alcohol are entirely prohibited. Despite Utah's religious teachings and having the largest population of Latter-day Saints(LSD) in the U.S. (66%), several attempts to make Utah a dry state have failed.
How much is a beer at the Jazz game? ›$10.08: Jazz, Hornets. $9.76: Bulls. $9.44: Raptors, Magic. $9.28: 76ers.
Can you buy beer at UT games? ›The decision to sell beer and wine at home football games is primarily an economic one for the university, and will likely boost the school's revenue. Since February 2014, the university has been selling beer and wine at baseball and basketball games.