Utah’s Unique Liquor Laws

Reviewed by: Rhome Zabriskie, J.D., Attorney

Overview of Utah’s Liquor Rules

If you are a Utah resident, then you are held accountable to some interesting liquor laws that are upheld in the state. One of the most unique laws in Utah is a statute that drinks can be served but cannot be seen until they have made their way to the table. Bartenders are not allowed to mix drinks in front of guests. This has caused many Utah restaurants to mix their drinks behind curtains. In Utah, it is illegal to put alcohol on display, so wine cellars that are used for decoration in restaurants must be filled with empty bottles. In order to obtain a license for a bar in the state, the owner has to abide by these curious rules.

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Utah’s liquor regulations are highly specific, and even a small mistake in how alcohol is served, displayed, or licensed can turn into a criminal or administrative case. Understanding your rights and obligations early can help you respond appropriately if you are facing an investigation or citation.

Call (801) 922-7475 or request an evaluation.

Serving clients across Utah, Idaho, and Colorado.

The “Zion Curtain” and Why Alcohol Can’t Be Visible

Those who refuse can be prosecuted and may be stripped of their license as a result. One restaurant in Salt Lake City known as Vuda originally planned to display alcohol as in other bars. When the state found out about the breach of the law, the restaurant owners were reprimanded. Now, the glass bottles of liquor are hidden behind a wall of frosted glass where the bartenders disappear when they need to mix an order for a customer. Unless patrons at the restaurant have a state-recognized license to deal with and handle alcohol, they do not have the right to see the alcohol or to watch the bartenders as they make the drinks. This has often been referred to as the “Zion Curtain”.

How Utah’s Liquor Laws Changed Over Time

In 2009, the state relaxed its drinking laws, which had been extremely strict for some time. Due to the high concentration of Mormons in Utah who disapprove of drinking, there was once a law that barred all alcohol consumption in the state. The prohibition became somewhat of a joke that was advertised on tourist memorabilia throughout the state. Now, it is legal to drink in the state, but the liquor laws are entangled with the Mormon Church and are more complicated than those in most states. Bartenders in the state complain that the constantly changing laws tend to affect business. Before 2009, drinkers in Utah had to pay a special fee to become a member of whatever bar they chose to visit. These bars were considered private clubs and were the only place a person could go to get a drink. This discouraged many residents of the state from drinking.

Drink Specials, Happy Hour, and Other Restrictions

Also, in Utah, it is illegal to offer drink specials in restaurants and bars. For years, happy hour has been illegal in the state, but many bars would offer all-day drink specials. The Utah Hospitality Association tried to sue the government in order to promote the specials again but was not successful.

When a Liquor Law Violation Becomes a Criminal Case

If you have violated one of the many intricate and complicated liquor laws in the state of Utah, you may need a criminal defense lawyer to come to your aid. In this instance, you should contact an attorney at the Zabriskie Law Firm. With the help of a lawyer at this firm, you may be able to prove your innocence or get your case dismissed. At this Salt Lake City criminal defense firm, the lawyers have a cumulative 50 years of experience, which they are willing to dedicate to your plight.

Talk to a Utah liquor law defense attorney

If you feel you didn’t deserve the penalties imposed after allegedly breaking one of Utah’s tough alcohol regulations, you should not delay in calling (801) 922-7475. The attorneys at Zabriskie Law Firm are fluent in both English and Spanish. They provide a free case evaluation that lets you describe your claims and receive a knowledgeable response from a firm attorney. They’ll explain what actions may be required to challenge your matter and can offer representation if they believe they’re able to help you. Reach out to the firm right away, because timing matters anytime you’re accused of an offense. If you’re dealing with a citation, an ongoing investigation, or criminal charges involving Utah’s liquor statutes, talking with an attorney can clarify the procedure, your possible liability, and the paths you can pursue in Utah, Idaho, or Colorado.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Legal outcomes depend on facts and law that vary by case.