Utah Liquor Laws
Utah is unique in many ways. When it comes to ordering a drink, you won’t confuse Salt Lake City with Milwaukee; however, Utah’s reputation as a “dry state” is about as current as cassette tapes, VCRs and most of Dave Kimble’s wardrobe. Keep these handy tips in mind and you will blend in like a local.
Tips for quenching your thirst:
The blood alcohol limit for drivers in Utah is 0.05%. It’s not worth the risk. Take an Uber or Lyft. Salt Lake is an easy town to traverse. Even if you are going up to Park City – it’s a short drive. Get a ride!
Don’t forget to drink a lot of water. Salt Lake City sits at an elevation of 4,226 feet. Alcohol + elevation = a headache.
A local’s list of local watering holes
Tips for quenching your thirst:
- All people ordering alcohol will be carded! Even Moses gets carded at The Beehive Pub on Main Street.
- Beer on tap is called “Low Point Beer” and maxes out at an ABV of 5%
- “High Point Beer” is anything over 5% ABV and is only sold in cans or bottles
- The max pour for liquor is 1.5 ounces per drink. No double Tito’s!
- You can order a “flavor” shot to go with your cocktail.
- Tip: find a buddy who doesn’t drink what you do, you each order “flavor shots” and then work out an exchange
- Wine by the glass in 5 ounces, thing about buying a bottle for your table
- If you are drinking in a restaurant, you will be required to order food
- The state of Utah has a monopoly on alcohol: bottles of liquor and wine must be purchased at a state-owned liquor store. The closest DABC Store is on the corner of 200W and 400S
- Low point beer may be purchased at grocery stores. The best selection near the Grand America Hotel is Harmon’s. The closest location is at 100S and State Street
- All the local breweries sell carry-out.
The blood alcohol limit for drivers in Utah is 0.05%. It’s not worth the risk. Take an Uber or Lyft. Salt Lake is an easy town to traverse. Even if you are going up to Park City – it’s a short drive. Get a ride!
Don’t forget to drink a lot of water. Salt Lake City sits at an elevation of 4,226 feet. Alcohol + elevation = a headache.
A local’s list of local watering holes
- Beehive Bar
- Beer Bar
- Copper Common
- Fisher Brewing
- Gracie’s Gastropub
- The Green Pig
- High West (Park City + Wanship)
- Lake Effect
- Purgatory Bar
- Squatters Brewing
- TF Brewing
- Under Current Bar
- Wasatch Brewing
- White Horse Spirits & Kitchen


