How to Understand Utah Liquor Laws

You're traveling to Utah and have heard a lot about its restrictive liquor laws. It's not a dry state, though. If you understand the basic laws, you can quench your thirst with your beverage of choice. If you're confused by the laws, don't worry-most of the locals are, too!

Instructions

1. Appreciate the religious nature of Utah. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS Church) influences the laws of the state heavily. The restrictive liquor laws reflect the ideas of the church. Research the religion by going to the LDS Church's official website.

2. Order alcohol legally in a restaurant. If you are dining at a restaurant that has a liquor license, you can order beer or wine. Some restaurants have a full license and can serve cocktails. But order after noon-only 3.2 percent alcohol beer is legal in the morning!

3. Purchase alcohol at state-run liquor and wine stores. You will find state liquor stores scattered throughout Utah, though not in every community. To find a liquor store, you need to look in the government listings of the phone book.

4. Buy 3.2 beer at the grocery store. If the liquor stores are closed and you need some packaged beer, the grocery store is your only option. The beer will be weak, but the local brews are still tasty. Just buy an extra six-pack or two.

5. Drink real beer at a brew pub. Full-strength beer can be had at pubs that brew onsite. No membership is required. Note that taverns, or beer bars, serve 3.2 beer.

6. Join a private club for cocktails-and anything else you may want to drink. To enter a private club, you need to have a membership. You can purchase a temporary membership at the door, or someone with a membership can sponsor you. Only 1 oz. of liquor can be served at a time at a private club.

7. Enjoy drinks in an airport lounge. They are not subject to the same rules as other drinking establishments, so you will not notice Utah's liquor laws in airport lounges.

Tips & Warnings

• You don't need to order a full meal to enjoy a drink at a restaurant. As long as you order any food, you can order a drink.

• Liquor stores generally close at either 7 or 10 p.m. They open at 10 a.m.

• Some hotels will give you a complimentary membership to their in-house private clubs.