Some Utah Alcohol Laws

Pat and Steve took me to dinner and then drink (not s) tonight to celebrate my upcoming trip. We got to discussing some of the interesting rules about drinking (or trying to drink) in Utah.

First we ate at a great BBQ place. I'm moving in. And then we went for a drink at another restaurant.

1) If you order a bottle of wine, the restaurant leaves the cork or top (screw top is OK now) because you can take an unfinished bottle home with you. Why...because it would be wrong to expect or force you to finish it before you drive home.

2) The bartender cannot serve you over the bar. Either the waitstaff must do it or the bartender must put the drink at the end of the counter, come out from behind the bar and then deliver it to you. If the drink had been mixed in the back room - he/she could have just placed it on the counter for you - but since he/she made it in front of you, it must be delivered.

3) 6% beer has to be purchased in the state run liquor stores. You can get served bottled 5% beer at the clubs that have memberships. On tap is 3% wherever you go.

4) Kegs are illegal in Utah.

5) Only 1 oz. of liquor is in mixed drinks.

6) Your glass has to be empty and removed before you can be served a subsequent drink.

7) In a restaurant that is allowed to serve alcohol you must order food. Chips will be served by demand. (Notice - I did not say "on demand").

There are more, but these ought to get your dinner discussion started.