• 13
  • September
    2011

A law that took effect on July 1, 2011, further limits the manner, time and place of Utah alcohol consumption. The bill, however, faced opposition before it took effect and continues to face challenges. The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control opposed the bill and urged Governor to veto it and members of the Utah Hospitality Association have filed a lawsuit under the Sherman Anti-Trust Act.

Among its provisions, the new law bans bars and restaurants from having daily drink specials and limits the number of liquor licenses that are available to bars and clubs. By law in Utah, the number of new club licenses issued is tied to population growth. Utah, in recent years, has grown more slowly than forecasted and it must grow by more than 93,500 before new licenses will be issued. After that growth is met, a growth of 7,850 people will be required for each new license issued.

Sen. John Valentine (R-Orem), the sponsor of the new law when it was introduced before the Utah Legislature, said that after reading a number of studies his policies (set forth in the bill) would be beneficial for the citizens of Utah. Sen. Valentine, however, did not submit any studies supporting his policies when he introduced the bill.

The Utah's New Law

In addition to banning daily drink specials and limiting the number of new bar and club licenses, the new law also states:

  • Liquor licenses cannot be transferred until 2012
  • Bartenders and open bottles of liquor must be kept out of sight
  • Alcohol may not be served in restaurants until 11:30 a.m.
  • Restaurant sales must be at least 70 percent food (no more than 30 percent of sales being alcohol)

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/20/us/20liquor.html?_r=1