Utah Liquor Law Guidance

Stay informed on liquor laws, regulations, and compliance requirements

Capitol dome with American and Utah flags.

Liquor Laws

The Utah Restaurant Association has represented the industry regarding the dispensing and service of alcohol in restaurants and other alcohol issues . Our No. 1 goal is consistency. The thing that concerns us most is that new restaurants that build will have different rules and regulations than restaurants that are in existence today

As We Continue to Navigate Utah’s Evolving Rules and Regulations, Below is Our Utah Liquor Laws 101 for Your Reference:

  • Patrons of a restaurant must be dining to be able to order an alcoholic beverage. However, if a diner shows intent to eat, the diner may be served a drink before ordering.
  • On National Election Days, it is no longer necessary to wait until the polls close before serving a guest of a restaurant an alcoholic beverages to guests
  • A guest of a restaurant may have 1 1/2 ounces of liquor in a cocktail
  • A guest of a restaurant may have the following in front of them while dining at any given time:
  1. One cocktail and a 3.2% beer
  2. Two 3.2% beers
  3. A 3.2% beer and a 5 oz glass of wine
  4. Two 5 oz glasses of wine
  5. A 5 oz glass of wine and a cocktail in front of them at a time.
  6. A guest of a restaurant may not have two cocktails in front of them at a time.

Here Are a Few Additional Rules to Keep You in Compliance With State Regulations:

  • The Department of Alcohol and Beverage Control (DABC) in the state of Utah offers three major kinds of alcohol licenses to restaurants.
  • Always be aware of what kind of license the establishment you are at has and keep in mind in a restaurant food must always be the motivation when purchasing an alcoholic beverage.
  • There must always be the intent to dine when an alcoholic beverage has been requested
  • A Beer License: in which the establishment may only sell 3.2% beer legally from 11:30 AM until 1:00 AM.
  • Limited Use License: in which the establishment may only sell beer and wine from 11:30 AM until 1:00 AM and must cease from selling heavy beer (over 3.2%) after midnight.
  • Full Service License: in which the establishment may serve alcoholic beverages, beer, wine, liquor and spirits from 11:30 AM until 1:00 AM.

The URA strongly supports a NO service to minors policy. Absolutely NO exceptions. Minors Matter.

Always ID every guest that does not look to be over the age of 35 years old. Click here to download our helpful flyer.

We understand that Utah’s liquor laws can appear difficult to understand. For additional information visit the official DABC site.

Signage, Scanning & Rasp Plan

Signage

As of May 9, 2017 every restaurant in Utah with a full service liquor license will be required to have hang a 8 1/2 x 11 inch sign with this exact wording: “This premise is licensed as a RESTAURANT not a bar. this signage was approved by the alcoholic beverage commission” with typography that is reasonably legible and hanging in a conspicuous place upon entrance of the restaurant premise. A restaurant may create their own sign but must meet the above requirements.

Scanning

A restaurant will also need to begin scanning patrons who appear 35 or under and request to sit at the alcohol dispensing counter in a restaurant.

Responsible Alcohol Service Plan

Every restaurant must also have a Responsible Alcohol Service Plan or RASP in place. For your convenience we have provided a template of a restaurant RASP plan here. Please edit this plan to fit your restaurant’s specific needs and keep a copy in your restaurant.

We understand under HB 442 the changes to Utah’s liquor laws can appear difficult to understand. There are many dates associated with this bill. The May 9, 2017 is the most imperative date. For additional information or questions please call the URA (801) 274.7309 or  visit the official DABC site.