Under the pretense of the commerce clause, the Utah DABC is intentionally using a system that is designed to suppress the sales of local distilleries and spirits. Why? According to James Fowler, the owner of Sugar House Distillery, the system is designed to “produce the highest amount of bottle turns” for inventory maximization. This elicits the question of why is the bottle … [Read more...]
Utah Liquor Laws: 3.2 to 4.8 % ABV : A conversation with Senator Jerry Stevenson
Listen to our conversation with Senator Jerry Stevenson regarding Utah liquor laws. Utah Liquor Laws Utah liquor laws are considered some of the wackiest in the country. Namely, the new DIU Limit for blood alcohol content level is 0.05 percent, the lowest in the country. In addition, our allowable alcohol content in beer sold in supermarket is 3.2. Consequently, Utah is … [Read more...]
Speakeasy Embraces Utah’s Quirky Liquor Laws
Arriving at Prohibition, Salt Lake’s 1920’s-themed restaurant and cocktail bar, it was clear I was in for more than beer and big screens. Elegantly attired, Dr. Drink (aka Victoria) welcomed me to “Mary’s Antiques and Oddities” before proprietor Nick Porter escorted me past the secret door. “Prohibition makes the perfect business model for Utah, with its quirky laws and … [Read more...]
Utah’s New Sign Law has Upset Business Owners
If you’ve gone out for a drink or a bite recently, you may have noticed that the establishment you patronized had a new regulation sign on display. Effective May 9th, businesses holding the applicable liquor licenses are required to display a sign designating the location as a bar or as a restaurant serving alcohol. The sign requirement is a part of HB442, which was passed in … [Read more...]
New Liquor Bill is a Bittersweet Compromise for Local Makers
HB 228 was recently passed by the Utah Legislature and takes effect in July. The bill allows for tastings of beer, wine, and distilled alcohols with the added caveat of the inclusion of a “substantial” amount of food to be served with the up to 16-ounce taste, a definition that will be determined by the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (DABC). This change raises … [Read more...]
Trolley Wing Company is Seeking Club Liquor License to Compete
Since being forced to move from their previous hot spot at Trolley Square in 2014, the Trolley Wing Company has experienced some growing pains after relocating to the Sugar House district. Frequent patrons of the establishment certainly enjoy the wings being served, but under their current restaurant liquor license, customers also have to purchase food in addition to their … [Read more...]
Alcohol and the Utah Legislature
It is legislative season in Utah, and this year our hard working lawmakers considered 696 bills. And because we live in Utah, the ubiquitous alcohol-related bills were on the docket. HB 76, introduced by Rep. Kraig Powell, R-Heber City, is an attempt to do away with “Zion curtains.” If the bill passes, it would repeal the law the requires some restaurants to mix or pour … [Read more...]
Ruth’s Diner opens Ruth’s Creekside
Ruth chain-smoked cigarettes, drank beer and hard liquor, and lived to be 94-years-old. She passed away in 1989, but Ruth would be proud to know that her namesake is now the home of Salt Lake City’s first private liquor/grocery store. Well, sort of. “It’s not exactly a private liquor store,” says Ruth’s Diner owner Erik Nelson. “We buy and sell the liquor and beer at the … [Read more...]
Lobby on the Dark Side – Payday Loan Industry
...continued from part one. Many lobbyists work to protect the businesses or rights of those they represent. But there are darker agendas. One of the most powerful lobby groups is the payday loan industry and Representative Brad Daw - Orem, knows first hand just how powerful they can be. Daw had been a representative for 8 years and he introduced legislation to regulate … [Read more...]
Roosters Brewery
Cool Beers for Cool Town In the past, when people came from out of state to sample Utah’s local beers, they seemed to expect a weak, unflavored drink. Steve Kirkland, brewmaster at Roosters, has seen that perception change. Now instead of worrying about the 3.2 alcohol content they enjoy the full flavor and full body offered in today’s craft beers. Some of those recipes can … [Read more...]