Alcohol Enforcement
State Bureau of Investigation
The mission of the State Bureau of Investigation Alcohol Enforcement Section is to enforce the state laws and regulations governing the sale and use of alcoholic beverages in a manner that provides a safe and secure environment for all people in Utah.
Goals and Objectives
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Enforce state laws by investigating and prosecuting individuals and organizations that violate the Utah Alcoholic Beverage Control Act.
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Support law enforcement and the public by providing education on Utah's liquor laws through seminars, personal contacts, and media.
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Prevent underage drinking by supporting youth alcohol suppression operations statewide.
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Conduct TRACE investigations to identify the source of alcohol that may have contributed to emergencies or incidents, helping to reduce related harm.
Enforcement Tactics
- Special Event Enforcement: Agents attend special events to prevent the sale of alcohol to minors or intoxicated individuals, uphold state liquor laws, and ensure compliance with special permit regulations.
- Covert Underage Buyer (CUB) Operations: Agents conduct compliance checks using underage buyers to ensure that licensed on-premise retailers do not sell alcohol to minors.
- Serving Intoxicated Patrons (SIP) Operations: Undercover operations are conducted to ensure that licensed establishments are not over-serving patrons.
- TRACE Investigations: The team investigates alcohol-related emergencies to identify the source of the alcohol and hold the provider accountable.
- Training & Education: The team provides training and education to other law enforcement agencies on alcohol laws and enforcement best practices.
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TRACE Investigations
Target Responsibility for Alcohol Connected Emergencies
The Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) recognizes the importance of doing everything possible to limit the number of “alcohol-connected emergencies.” One way to do this is by conducting investigations to discover the source of the alcohol that may have contributed to the incident.
To achieve this reduction and provide a safer and more secure environment, DPS adopted the Target Responsibility for Alcohol Connected Emergencies (TRACE) Program. TRACE aims to hold the provider of the alcohol accountable if any state laws or state liquor license agreements were violated. These investigations can affect the liquor license status of establishments through administrative action by the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (DABC). By holding individuals and establishments accountable, we can reduce the number of these incidents.
What is Utah TRACE?
The DPS Alcohol Enforcement Team (AET) is responsible for enforcing the laws related to alcoholic beverages in the state. When we are notified by an investigating agency of an alcohol-related fatality, members of the team can initiate a TRACE investigation. We pursue accountability for violations regardless of the source of alcohol.
In a TRACE investigation into alcohol-connected crashes and incidents, our agents will pursue a line of questioning to identify where the alcoholic beverages were purchased or served. The TRACE investigation will not interfere with the local law enforcement agency’s investigation of the incident.
When conducting TRACE investigations, we will seek information regarding any violation of state law or state liquor license agreements. These violations could include providing or serving alcohol to minors or serving to an intoxicated person.
Investigating officers will collect evidence such as false identification, receipts, bags, labels, matches, and statements of witnesses to attempt to determine where the alcoholic beverages were obtained.
When we identify where someone may have illegally bought or have been served an alcoholic beverage by a DABC-licensed establishment, we will notify the DABC as soon as possible so they may start the administrative action process. If the DABC determines that a liquor outlet illegally provided alcohol to an individual under 21 or served an intoxicated person, the Department will suspend or revoke the liquor license of the business. Individuals found to have illegally provided alcohol to minors will be referred to local authorities for criminal prosecution.
Basic Criteria for TRACE Investigation (do not need all three)
- Minor(s) involved
- Alcohol-related fatality or serious injury
- Alcohol served to an intoxicated person
Statement of Age Form
Utah Alcohol Laws and Information
Explore answers to key questions about alcohol-related laws and enforcement in Utah.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following list are a few of the most frequently asked questions. Hopefully, this page will clear up any questions about Utah’s liquor laws.
- Where can I legally purchase and consume alcoholic beverages in Utah?
- Is it against the law to “get drunk” in the State of Utah?
- Is it against the law to permit another person to “get drunk”?
- Where can I find the State of Utah liquor laws?
- Who is required to have a “Liquor License”?
- What are the age restrictions for customers in bars, taverns, and restaurants?
- Who is prohibited from purchasing and/or possessing alcoholic beverages?
- Can I bring alcoholic beverages into Utah from another state?
- Are “kegs” and/or “party balls” legal?
- Can I bring my own alcoholic beverage into a bar or a restaurant?
- Can a tavern, club, or restaurant give away free alcoholic drinks as a promotion?
- Is there such a thing as “Happy Hour” in Utah?
- Utah liquor laws seem to be very strict. How do they compare with the other states?
- Is a person required, by law, to provide valid identification before purchasing an alcoholic beverage?
- Proof of Valid & True Identity Form
- Tell me more about alcohol
Where can I legally purchase and consume alcoholic beverages in Utah?
For complete details on locations, hours of service, and licenses, please visit the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services (DABS) official website.
In general, alcoholic beverages are available for on-premise consumption at licensed restaurants, bars, and various other venues throughout the state. Packaged alcohol for consumption at home can be purchased at state liquor stores, package agencies, and grocery/convenience stores.
On-Premise Consumption (Restaurants & Bars)
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Restaurants: A person must be 21 or older to be served alcohol in a restaurant. Alcohol service must be accompanied by a purchased food order.
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Full-Service Licenses: Can serve liquor, wine, and beer. Hours are typically 11:30 a.m. to midnight (beer until 1:00 a.m.).
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Limited-Service Licenses: Can serve wine and beer, but not liquor or flavored malt beverages. Hours are typically 11:30 a.m. to midnight (beer until 1:00 a.m.).
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Beer-Only Licenses: Can serve beer only. Hours are typically 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
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Bars: Patrons must be 21 or older with a valid ID to enter a bar. Bars are not required to serve food with alcohol but must make it available at all times. Bar hours are typically from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. There are different types of bars, including social bars (open to the public), equity bars (such as country clubs), and fraternal bars (like VFWs).
Off-Premise Consumption (Packaged Alcohol)
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State Liquor Stores & Package Agencies: These are the only places to purchase liquor, wine, and heavy beer to take home.
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Grocery & Convenience Stores: These establishments can sell beer with an alcohol content of 5% ABV or less.
Is it against the law to “get drunk” in the State of Utah?
Yes, it is. Utah Code Annotated 76-9-701(1) states, “A person is guilty of intoxication if he is under the influence of intoxicating liquor, a controlled substance, or any substance having the property of releasing toxic vapors, to a degree that the person may endanger himself or another, in a public place or in a private place where he unreasonably disturbs another person.”
A violation of this law is a class ‘C’ misdemeanor.
Is it against the law to permit another person to “get drunk”?
Yes, it is. Utah Code Annotated 32B-4-419 states, “A person may not permit any other person to become intoxicated as defined in section 76-9-701, or any intoxicated person to consume any alcoholic beverage in any premises of which the person is the owner, tenant, or occupant, or in any chartered bus or limousine of which the person is the owner or operator.
A violation of this section is an infraction.
Where can I find the State of Utah liquor laws?
The general rules for alcohol are located in Title 32B of the Utah Code Annotated.
You can find copies of Utah law at any public library or online on the Utah State Legislature's website at
You can purchase a copy of the Utah Criminal and Traffic Code from the Utah Safety Council. Their current contact information is:
Utah Safety Council
11075 South State Street, Ste 28
Sandy, Utah 84047
Phone: 801-746-7233
Please visit their website or call for current pricing and ordering details.
Who is required to have a “Liquor License”?
Anyone who operates a business that sells alcohol for consumption on or off the premises is required to have an appropriate license.
Utah Code Annotated 32B-4-501(1) details that a person may not operate a business that allows for the purchase or consumption of alcohol on the premises without a license. This includes, but is not limited to, the following types of establishments:
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Restaurants
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Airport lounges
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Bars
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On-premise beer retailers
In addition to on-premise locations, a license is required for any business that sells packaged alcoholic products for off-premise consumption.
Find additional information on the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services website.
What are the age restrictions for customers in bars, taverns, and restaurants?
The legal age to purchase, possess, or consume alcohol anywhere in Utah is 21 years of age or older.
Bars & Taverns: You must be 21 or older with a valid ID to enter a licensed bar or tavern.
Restaurants: There is no age restriction for entering a restaurant. However, only individuals aged 21 or older may be served or consume alcoholic beverages.
Who is prohibited from purchasing and/or possessing alcoholic beverages?
Under Utah law, the following individuals are prohibited from purchasing or possessing alcoholic beverages: minors (persons under 21), intoxicated persons, and interdicted persons.
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Utah Code Annotated 32B-4-403 states, "A person may not sell, offer for sale or otherwise furnish or supply any alcoholic beverage or product to any person under the age of 21."
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Utah Code Annotated 32B-4-404 states, "A person may not sell, offer for sale or otherwise furnish or supply any alcoholic beverage or product to any person who is apparently under the influence of intoxicating alcoholic beverages or products or drugs or to a person whom the person furnishing the alcoholic beverage knew or should have known from the circumstances was under the influence of intoxicating alcoholic beverages or products or drugs."
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Utah Code Annotated 32B-4-405 states, "A person may not sell, offer to sell, or otherwise furnish or supply any alcoholic beverage or product to any known interdicted person."
Note: An interdicted person is an individual who is prohibited by law or a court order from consuming alcohol or from associating with others who are consuming alcohol.
Can I bring alcoholic beverages into Utah from another state?
Yes, with some limitations. It is illegal to have alcohol shipped to you by mail or courier service. However, it is now legal for a person to bring a limited amount of liquor into Utah for personal use.
Utah Code Annotated 32B-4-414 details the specific exceptions, including:
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A person entering this state may possess for personal consumption (not for sale or resale) a maximum of nine liters of liquor purchased from outside of Utah.
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A person who clears U.S. Customs when entering the country may possess for personal consumption (not for sale or resale) a maximum of nine liters of liquor purchased from without the United States.
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A person who moves their permanent residence to Utah from another state may possess for personal consumption (not for sale or resale) any liquor previously purchased and brought into the state during the move.
Are “kegs” and/or “party balls” legal in Utah?
No. Utah law prohibits the general public from purchasing or possessing beer in containers larger than two liters.
Utah Code Annotated 32B-4-406(1)(b) states, "a person may not purchase or possess beer in a container that exceeds two liters." The law provides an exception for licensed beer retailers who are authorized to dispense beer on draft for consumption on their premises.
Can I bring my own alcoholic beverage into a bar or a restaurant?
No, with one exception. The exception is cork finished wine in restaurants and clubs, provided that the restaurant or club is a DABC licensee, in which case the cork finished wine must be delivered to the server for a wine setup.
Can a bar, restaurant, or tavern give away free alcoholic drinks as a promotion?
No. Utah law prohibits a licensed establishment from giving away free alcoholic beverages to the public.
Utah Code Annotated 32B-4-403 makes it unlawful for a licensee to "sell, offer for sale, or otherwise furnish or supply" an alcoholic product to a person for free.
Utah Code Annotated 32B-5-305 further prohibits a licensee from offering alcohol at a special or reduced price during specific hours, such as a "happy hour."
Are "happy hours" or other drink specials legal in Utah?
No. Utah law strictly prohibits happy hours and other promotions that discount the price of alcohol.
Utah Code Annotated 32B-5-305 prohibits a retail licensee from:
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Selling an alcoholic product at a special or reduced price for only certain hours of the day, such as a "happy hour."
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Selling more than one alcoholic product for the price of a single one.
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Offering an indefinite or unlimited number of alcoholic products during a set period for a fixed price.
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Engaging in a promotion that offers a free alcoholic product to the general public.
Can the employees of a bar, restaurant, or tavern drink alcoholic beverages while working?
No. Utah law makes it illegal for any employee of a liquor licensee to consume an alcoholic beverage or be intoxicated while on duty.
The only exception to this rule is that an employee who is 21 or older may conduct a "straw test" to sample an alcoholic product for quality control.
As stated in Utah Code Annotated 32B-5-308(2), "Except as provided in Subsection (5), staff of a retail licensee, while on duty, may not: (a) consume an alcoholic product; or (b) be intoxicated."
Utah liquor laws seem to be very strict. How do our liquor laws compare with other states?
While it may seem that the liquor laws in the state of Utah are very strict, the fact is that Utah's laws are similar to those in several other states.
Utah is one of 17 states in the country that are part of a Control State System. In these states, the government controls the sale and distribution of some or all types of alcoholic beverages at the wholesale and/or retail level.
To learn more about the Control State System and to see which other states are included, you can visit the official website of the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA).
Is a person required, by law, to provide valid identification before purchasing an alcoholic beverage?
Yes. Utah law requires a person to present a valid form of identification upon request to obtain an alcoholic product.
Utah Code Annotated 32B-1-404 states, "To obtain one or more of the following, an individual shall present proof of age at the request of a person listed in Subsection (2):
Alcohol Facts and Information
In this section:
About Alcohol
Alcohol is a legal depressant and a liquid obtained through the fermentation of carbohydrates by yeast or by distillation. While there are many types of alcohol, ethanol (ethyl alcohol) is the type found in alcoholic beverages.
Underage Drinking
Underage drinking remains a serious concern. While the prevalence of underage drinking has reached historic lows, it continues to be a public health issue. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), approximately 5.6 million people between the ages of 12 and 20 reported drinking in the past month as of a 2023 survey. Young people who begin drinking before age 15 are more likely to develop alcohol-related problems later in life.
Safe Alcohol Consumption
Moderate Use of Alcohol
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the CDC define moderate alcohol consumption as up to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.
A "standard drink" is defined as containing 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol, which is typically found in:
- 12 ounces of 5% alcohol by volume (ABV) beer.
- 5 ounces of 12% ABV wine.
- 1.5 ounces of 80-proof (40% ABV) distilled spirits.
Who Shouldn’t Drink at All
Some individuals should not drink any alcohol. This includes:
- Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
- People under the legal drinking age of 21.
- Individuals planning to drive or operate machinery.
- People taking certain over-the-counter or prescription medications.
- Individuals with medical conditions that can be worsened by alcohol.
- Recovering alcoholics.
Alcohol's Effects and Impairment
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a major cause of crashes, injuries, and fatalities. Alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time, even at low levels. In Utah, the blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for driving is 0.05%. This is one of the strictest limits in the nation.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2022, 13,524 people died in alcohol-impaired crashes across the United States. This accounted for 32% of all traffic fatalities.
Binge Drinking
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines binge drinking as a pattern of drinking that brings a person's BAC to 0.08% or higher. This typically occurs when men consume five or more drinks and women consume four or more drinks in about two hours.
Binge drinking is most common among young adults aged 18-34, including college students. Recent studies show that college drinking is linked to thousands of deaths and injuries each year, and a significant number of assaults.
Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol Abuse vs. Alcoholism
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) now uses the term Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) to describe a pattern of drinking that causes significant impairment or distress. It is a spectrum disorder, ranging from mild to severe, and is diagnosed based on a person's answers to a series of questions.
Signs of a Drinking Problem
If you or someone you know has a pattern of drinking that repeatedly causes problems in daily life, it may be a sign of AUD. Questions to consider include:
- Do you drink alone or in secret?
- Has your drinking caused you to be late for work or school?
- Do you ever forget what you did while you were drinking?
- Do you feel a strong need or craving to drink?
Sources and Further Information
The information on this page is based on data from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
For more detailed information on Utah's specific alcohol laws, including public safety and enforcement, please refer to the official website of the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services (DABS).