What Time Can I Buy Beer In Utah?

What time can you buy beer in Utah? – In Utah, beer with a 5.0% ABV (or 4.0% alcohol by weight) is sold at grocery and convenience stores and establishments operating under a “beer only” type license, such as taverns, beer bars, and some restaurants, and can be purchased between the hours of 11:30 a.m.

• And 1:00 a.m.
• The Utah ABV limit is 5%.
• Therefore, beer with anything higher than that must be sold in cans or bottles and purchased from a Utah state liquor store or from the brewery itself.
• According to the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services (UDABS), restaurants with full-service liquor licenses may serve liquor, wine, flavored malt beverages, and heavy beer from 11:30 a.m.

to midnight. Beer is available from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. On weekends, legal holidays, and private parties, alcohol service may begin at 10:30 a.m. Patrons must dine in the restaurant to be served an alcoholic beverage. On weekends and legal holidays, restaurants with a limited license are permitted to sell beer from 10:30 a.m.

• Liquor
• Wine
• Flavored malt beverages
• Heavy beer
• Beer

Complete your alcohol safety training today and stay up to date with the alcohol laws in your state.

Can you buy alcohol in the morning in Utah?

Liquor stores sell all spirits and wine — but only higher alcohol beer – The Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, or DABC, is the state agency that controls liquor sales and licensing. The agency operates 50-plus retail stores, mostly in larger urban areas.

1. It also signs contracts with private individuals and companies to run smaller stores or “package agencies” in rural areas, ski resorts, hotels and sports arenas.
2. Liquor stores are the only places consumers can buy vodka, whiskey, rum and other distilled spirits.
3. They also are the only places to buy wine or beer that is higher than 5% ABV.

The one exception? Licensed distilleries in Utah are allowed to sell their products to consumers directly. (They can even do so on Sundays, when state-operated liquor stores are closed.) Historically, state stores have not refrigerated the beer but that started to change earlier this year, when the state opened its first liquor store with cold beer.

Can you buy alcohol 24 7 in Utah?

Buying drinks to go in Utah – Squatters and Wasatch Summery beers At grocery stores you will find alcoholic beverages upto 5% ABV, available for purchase until 11.00 p.m. Some convenience stores can sell beer 24/7 depending on the city. You may purchase beverages seven days a week from these locations.

If you’re in a restaurant and have leftover wine you may ask your server to seal the bottle and take it with you to go – just make sure you store it in the trunk of your vehicle if driving. Generally speaking, to purchase anything stronger than 5% ABV for your own consumption elsewhere you will need to visit one of our Utah State Liquor Stores,

Here you will find everything from stronger beers through wines and liquor. Each store varies in both hours of operation and stock carried. All are closed on Sundays and public holidays. The exception to the above rules are Package Agencies – defined by the state as “liquor outlets operated by private individuals or corporate entities under contract with the state for the purpose of selling packaged liquor, wine and beer to the general public for off-premise consumption”.

Package agencies are often ran in smaller towns, businesses, or at resorts where it makes little sense for a fully fledged State Liquor Store. Crucially important to note is that some of our finest home grown brewers and distillers are marked as “Type 5” package agencies. These companies can sell their product direct to you, from their manufacturing facility – 365 days a year if they choose to do so.

Check out our full guide to buying liquor, wine and beer on Sundays in Utah,

Can I buy beer in the morning in Utah?

Utah DABS – Residents & Visitors Full liquor service is available in licensed restaurants, banquet facilities, hotels with a hospitality amenity, reception centers, airport lounges, recreational amenities, taverns and bars. Patrons may order liquor by the drink, wine by the glass or bottle, and beer in bottles, cans and on draft.

1. Packaged liquor, flavored malt beverages, wine, and heavy beer are available in State Liquor Stores and Package Agencies throughout the state.
2. Restaurants with full-service liquor licenses: Liquor, wine, flavored malt beverages, and heavy beer may be served from 11:30 a.m.
3. To midnight.
4. Beer is available from 11:30 a.m.

to 1:00 a.m. On weekends (Saturday and Sunday), legal holidays and for private parties, alcohol service may begin at 10:30 a.m. Patrons must dine in the restaurant in order to be served an alcoholic beverage. Restaurants with limited-service liquor licenses: Wine, and heavy beer may be served from 11:30 a.m.

To midnight. Beer is available from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. On weekends (Saturday and Sunday), legal holidays and for private parties, alcohol service may begin at 10:30 AM. Limited restaurant licenses may not sell flavored malt beverages or distilled spirits. Patrons must dine at the restaurant to be served an alcoholic beverage.

Restaurants with a beer-only license: Beer may be served beginning at 11:30 a.m. and ending at 1:00 a.m. On weekends (Saturday and Sunday), legal holidays and for private parties, alcohol service may begin at 10:30 a.m. Patrons must dine at restaurants to be served an alcoholic beverage.

1. Banquet licenses: Allows the storage, sale, service and consumption of liquor, wine, flavored malt beverages, heavy beer, and beer for contracted banquet activities on the premises of a hotel, resort facility, sports center, convention center, performing arts facility and an arena.
2. It also allows for alcohol to be delivered through room service to adult guests in hotels and resorts.

Minibars are not allowed in the guest rooms. Alcoholic beverages may be sold on any day from 10 a.m. until 1:00 a.m. Reception center licenses: Allows the storage, sale, service and consumption of liquor, wine, heavy beer, and beer for contracted events on the licensed premises such as weddings, birthday parties, quinceañeras, etc.

Alcoholic beverages may be sold on any day from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 a.m. Bars: Liquor, wine, flavored malt beverages, heavy beer, and beer may be served from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Patrons may be served at a bar or table, but food must be available at all times. There are three types of bars: a) social, which are usually open to the public, b) equity, such as country clubs, and c) fraternal, such as VFW, Elks, Eagles, and Moose.

Both Equity and Fraternal are bars for members and their guests only. Airport lounges: Liquor, wine, flavored malt beverages, heavy beer, and beer may be served from 8:00 a.m. until midnight. Alcoholic beverages may be sold with or without food, and patrons may be served at a bar or table.

• Airport lounges are located at the Salt Lake International Airport.
• Beer: Beer-only establishments sell beer to customers in a variety of venues.
• These include taverns, bowling alleys, ski resorts, golf courses, arenas, etc.
• Taverns are the only license not required to have revenue from anything but the sale of beer.

However, minors are not allowed on the premises of a tavern. The hours for beer sales in these establishments are 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. and sold on draft or in bottles and cans. Packaged beer is also available at supermarkets, grocery and convenience stores.

• Liquor Stores & Package Agencies: Liquor, wine, and heavy beer sold to-go can be found at many state liquor stores throughout the state.
• There are also smaller stores called “package agencies” that offer a more modest selection of these products.
• Package agencies are often located in smaller cities, towns and in hotels and resorts for customer convenience.

Special orders may also be requested from DABS for those items not regularly carried in the stores. Utah also offers world class wine selections located at specialty wine stores. Other selected state stores also offer expanded wine selections. Find a, : Utah DABS – Residents & Visitors

Can you buy beer before 10 am in Utah?

What is the legal drinking age in Utah? – You must be at least 21 years of age to purchase, possess, or be provided with any alcoholic beverage. Acceptable forms of identification include: a passport, U.S. driver’s license or military identification card with a date of birth and a photo.

Special note for international visitors : a passport is required to confirm age eligibility to purchase alcohol. Do not leave your passport at your place of lodging or you will not be able to purchase or consume alcohol. May anyone under age 21 (a “minor”) be admitted to an alcohol-licensed establishment? Depends on the establishment.

Minors are allowed at restaurants, but they are not allowed at bars or taverns. During what hours may alcoholic beverages be served at Utah bars and restaurants? Bars may serve all types of alcohol from 10:00 a.m. until 12:59 a.m. Taverns may sell beer from 10:00 a.m.

What is the alcohol rule in Utah?

Utah’s Liquor Laws – Throughout recent years, Utah has been making strides to modernize its liquor laws. While some may still have qualms with how modern these laws are, it wasn’t too long ago that you needed a “private club membership” to enter bars.

1. Given the state’s past, the alcohol landscape of today is worlds different than it’s traditionally been.
2. Some liquor laws in Utah are just like everywhere else.
3. Only adults of legal age can order and consume beer, wine and hard liquor at bars, pubs and restaurants, and — you guessed it — that legal age is 21.

It’s the unique aspects of Utah’s liquor laws that need a little explaining.

Can you buy beer after 1 am in Utah?

What time can you buy beer in Utah? – In Utah, beer with a 5.0% ABV (or 4.0% alcohol by weight) is sold at grocery and convenience stores and establishments operating under a “beer only” type license, such as taverns, beer bars, and some restaurants, and can be purchased between the hours of 11:30 a.m.

• And 1:00 a.m.
• The Utah ABV limit is 5%.
• Therefore, beer with anything higher than that must be sold in cans or bottles and purchased from a Utah state liquor store or from the brewery itself.
• According to the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services (UDABS), restaurants with full-service liquor licenses may serve liquor, wine, flavored malt beverages, and heavy beer from 11:30 a.m.

to midnight. Beer is available from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. On weekends, legal holidays, and private parties, alcohol service may begin at 10:30 a.m. Patrons must dine in the restaurant to be served an alcoholic beverage. On weekends and legal holidays, restaurants with a limited license are permitted to sell beer from 10:30 a.m.

• Liquor
• Wine
• Flavored malt beverages
• Heavy beer
• Beer

Complete your alcohol safety training today and stay up to date with the alcohol laws in your state.

Can you buy beer in Salt Lake City?

Welcome to Salt Lake City Utah.org our official online edition! Our Free City Guides and Utah Travel Planners will assist and inform you before you arrive in Utah and in turn provide a wealth of information once you’re here. Enjoy Salt Lake! Salt Lake is a city of unexpected surprises and brims with history, art, culture, entertainment and recreation – all in a beautiful location at the foot of Utah’s Wasatch Mountains.

• Relax, there are over 400 places where you can get a drink in Utah.
• First, Private Clubs are a thing of the past.
• Now you walk into a bar and order a drink, just like the rest of the country.
• Also, just like the rest of the country, you have to be 21 to enter.
• Bring Your I.D.
• Now, Everyone Gets ID’ Everyone gets their ID checked at Utah liquor stores – no exceptions.

Preferably your drivers license or a passport. It will be scanned and if it’s valid, you’re in. So, if you’re looking for a bar near your hotel, a cool sports bar, a local brew pub or for a nice glass of wine, you’ll find it here in Salt Lake City. Buying Beer at a Grocery/Convenience Store Your ID will be needed for this as well.

• Liquor You can have drinks in Salt Lake Bars, Restaurants, and you can buy bottles of your favorite liquor at our state-run liquor stores.
• Having a Drink in a Restaurant If you are heading to a Utah Restaurant you must be dining to be able to order an alcoholic beverage.
• However, if you show an intent to eat, you may be served a drink before ordering.

Utah Liquor stores are closed on Sundays, state & federal holidays. Utah’s Alcohol and Beverage Services Official Site. DABS Official Site Wine Wine is served in restaurants, bars and can also be purchased at the state liquor stores. Beer The old 3.2% alcohol by weight beer (which was actually 4% alcohol by volume, a more common measure) was sold in retail locations, grocery stores, etc.

Beer on tap, or draft beer as it is known in Salt Lake’s bars and restaurants was also only 3.2%. That’s History! It has been coined ‘The Modernization of Utah’ – Back in 2019 Utah updated our Liquor Laws where you can purchase stronger alcohol based beer, up to 5% ABV which is now sold at our grocery and convenience stores.

Stronger Strength Beer In Utah! Stronger beer, above 5% ABV and up to 13% ABV is sold in select bars and restaurants and at our State-owned liquor stores. With the elevation of 4000 feet plus above sea level, getting a “Buzz” on, can happen quickly in Utah.

And if you’re up in Park City at over 7000 feet above sea level, we suggest you take cabs, Uber, or maybe a designated driver, and just be careful. Our DUI/DWI Laws are the strictest in the nation at,05%! Brew Pubs Our Brew Pubs do offer some of the best food in town and are definitely worth visiting.

When traveling, visiting a city’s brew pubs can be a highlight of any day. Salt Lake’s Best Sports Bars Salt Lake’s Best Sports Bars, Smoking is Not Allowed in Utah Bars and Restaurants. Utah Liquor Stores Utah’s DABS, Alcohol and Beverage Services. Find a Store The Department operates over forty State Liquor and Wine Stores.

• A state liquor and wine store, operated by state employees, carries a full line of liqueurs, wines, spirits, and some full strength beers.
• These stores are found in the more populated areas of the state.
• The general public can also purchase alcohol for off-premise consumption from over 100 Package Agencies – liquor outlets operated by private individuals or corporate entities under contract with the state for the purpose of selling packaged liquor, wine and beer.

Package Agencies are located in communities too small to warrant the establishment of a state store; in wineries, distilleries, or breweries that have been granted a manufacturing license by the commission; and in resorts and hotels where the outlets exist primarily for the benefit of their guests.

Store Hours typically open at 11am and close at 10pm. Here are some of our Salt Lake locations: Downtown 205 West 400 South Hours are 11am-10pm Mon – Sat.801.533.5901 Downtown – Huge Wine Store This is the largest wine store in Salt Lake City with one of the best wine selections in Utah.255 South 300 East Hours are 11am-7pm.

Mon – Sat.801.533.6444 Salt Lake Wine Store close to the downtown area 280 West Harris Ave (1605 South 300 West) Hours are 11:00 am to 7:00 pm Mon. – Sat.801.412.9972 Foothill Address: 1615 Foothill Blvd Salt Lake City, UT 84108 Hours are Monday to Saturday, 11:00 am to 7:00 pm 801.584.8387 SugarHouse 1154 East Ashton Ave, 2250 South 1100 East Hours are 11am-10pm.

1. Mon. – Sat.801.468.0320 South Salt Lake 63 East Miller Ave.
2. Hours are 11am-7pm. Mon.
3. Sat.801.484.9721 Murray Area 5056 South State Street Hours are 11am-10pm. Mon.
4. Sat.801.262.7789 Midvale Area 7598 South Main Hours are Tuesday – Saturday, 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm 801.255.2311 Utah’s DABS, Alcohol and Beverage Services Official Site.

DABS Official Site – Find a Store Up In Park City Park City – Store #34 Address: (Club Store) 1901 Sidewinder Drive Hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm 435.649.7254 Park City – Store #36 Address: 460 Swede Alley Hours are Monday – Saturday, 11:00 am to 10:00 pm 435.649.3293 Park City – Store #37 Address: 1612 Ute Blvd Hours are Monday – Saturday, 11:00 am to 10:00 pm 435.658.0860 Park City – Store #38 Address: 1550 Snow Creek Drive Hours are Monday – Saturday, 11:00 am to 10:00 pm 435.615.8538 Utah Liquor stores are closed on Sundays, state & federal holidays.

1. Here’s their official Site.
2. DABS Official Site Salt Lake Bars in the Sugarhouse Area Sports Bars in Salt Lake City Salt Lake Bars in the Salt Lake Valley Salt Lake Bars in the 7200 South Area Getting a Job as a Bartender or Server in Utah?,
3. For information about the Utah requirements for servers of alcohol, visit Smart-Utah.

This site contains a class schedule and more valuable information. Utah Alcohol Server Training Alcohol certification training provider since 1999. Smart-Utah Approved and recognized by the Utah Department of Human Services. _ Site Features, Our Menu Things To See And Do Activities For Kids When Visiting Attractions & Historic Sites Visit Temple Square Shopping Sightseeing Tours Family History & Genealogy Records – Research Library Salt Lake City Arts, Entertainment and Music Listings Utah Outdoors & Recreation, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Boating, etc. Winter Vacation Lodging Utah Vacation Lodging Salt Lake Ski Lodging Park City Lodging Park City Hotels Skiing Utah Salt Lake City Ski Lodging Learn To Ski & Board Utah Ski Resorts Discount Ski Lift Tickets Where To Rent Skis & Snowboards SLC Ski Shops – New Skis, Boards & Apparel Ski Salt Lake Park City Visitor Info Visit Park City Park City Lodging Park City Hotels Park City Restaurants Park City Home & Condo Prices Park City Homes For Sale Welcome, we are proud to bring you our official online directory! We hope the information we compiled will be useful to you, and that you find everything you’re looking for. When you do Visit Salt Lake, bring us along on your mobile device, our goal is to make your visit more enjoyable by providing updated information. Enjoy Salt Lake! Views Contact Us By Email Salt Lake Tourist & Visitor Center © Copyright 2000 – 2023, All Rights Reserved. Home

Can you drink alcohol in public in Utah?

Unlawful consumption in public place. A person may not consume liquor in a public building, park, or stadium, except as provided by this title. A violation of this section is a class C misdemeanor.

Is Salt Lake City alcohol dry?

For those who didn’t realize, Utah is not a dry state. – The state boasts more than 350 bars, and Salt Lake County accounts for over half. There are some puzzling liquor laws, though, set by state legislation that’s primarily comprised of the Mormon population.

For instance, there’s a liquor control system— required in all bars and restaurants— that measures out the base spirit poured into a cocktail. It counts the number of shots poured, and meters the precise amount of 1.5 ounces, which means the gin poured into a standard Martini is reduced by half (and double pours are prohibited in Utah),

With COVID-19, struggling bars and restaurants are now pushing for further liquor law modifications to help stay afloat – preserving small businesses, jobs, and drink-making. It spawned an online petition, a social media hashtag: #SaveUtahBars, and a push on Capitol Hill to ease some of the state’s strict liquor laws (like the silly system of gypping drink measurements). Cocktail at Alibi We spoke with three stand-out bartenders (before bar closures) at Salt Lake City’s top bar establishments on how to properly get a promised drink – before 1:00am – without breaking the state’s strict liquor laws. Jacob Hall of Alibi Bar & Place

Does SLC airport sell alcohol?

In the departures area of Terminal 1, the Salt Lake Duty Free store has opening hours from 6 am to 10 p.m. In this store you can find exclusive offers on products from sections such as fragrances, cosmetics and liquor, where you will have the opportunity to acquire both national and international bottles.

What is the dram shop law in Utah?

Utah’s Dram Shop Law – Section 32B-15-201 of the Utah Code is Utah’s dram shop law. Under this law, an alcohol vendor can generally be held liable for the actions of an intoxicated patron if the vendor provides alcohol to the patron and the patron:

was under the age of 21 was apparently under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Here is a sample situation in which Utah’s dram shop law might apply. Suppose that Darold stops at Bennie’s Bar for a few drinks. Although Darold is already stumbling, slurring his speech, and smells of alcohol when he walks into the bar, the bartender serves him several drinks.

Eventually, Darold decides to go into the bar’s basement, where the restrooms are located. As he walks down the stairs, however, he stumbles and falls, colliding with Padma, who is also on the staircase. Padma falls to the bottom of the stairs and is injured. Padma can seek damages directly from Darold for causing her injuries through his negligence,

She can also bring a dram shop claim against Bennie’s bar for continuing to serve Darold alcohol even though Darold was already apparently under the influence of alcohol when he walked into the place.

Can you drink at 18 in Utah?

Utah’s Liquor Laws – Throughout recent years, Utah has been making strides to modernize its liquor laws. While some may still have qualms with how modern these laws are, it wasn’t too long ago that you needed a “private club membership” to enter bars.

Given the state’s past, the alcohol landscape of today is worlds different than it’s traditionally been. Some liquor laws in Utah are just like everywhere else. Only adults of legal age can order and consume beer, wine and hard liquor at bars, pubs and restaurants, and — you guessed it — that legal age is 21.

It’s the unique aspects of Utah’s liquor laws that need a little explaining.

Is Utah a no alcohol state?

Liquor Laws In Utah. For some reason, it is a common misconception that Utah is a ‘dry’ (alcohol forbidden) state. This is simply not true.

Was Utah ever a dry state?

Decorated beer trucks in Salt Lake, 1913 T he prohibition movement called for the adoption of laws to prohibit the manufacture, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages. The adoption of prohibition in Utah followed a course that paralleled that of other states throughout the nation in many respects and yet encountered issues and obstacles that were unique to Utah.

Utah did not enact prohibition legislation until 1917, when it became the twenty-fourth state to adopt statewide prohibition; however, since most of the other twenty-four states already had passed local option laws, Utah was one of the last states to pass legislation regulating the manufacture and consumption of alcohol.

In 1919 Utah quickly ratified the Eighteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution prohibiting “the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors, for beverage purposes.” But in February 1933 Utah became the thirty-sixth and deciding state to approve the Twenty-first Amendment abolishing prohibition through repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment.

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were advised against the consumption of alcohol as early as 1833, when Joseph Smith received a revelation known as “The Word of Wisdom,” which advised against the consumption of wine and strong drink. Smith’s revelation came the same year that the United States Temperance Union with one million members was established to campaign for total abstinence from liquor because of the social and economic ills created by drunkenness.

By 1855, thirteen states had adopted “dry” statutes restricting the manufacturing and consumption of alcohol. This early temperance movement was stalled by the Civil War, during which time most of these early laws were repealed; however, the issue was not forgotten.

By the first decade of the twentieth century various groups including the National Prohibition party, the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, the Anti-Saloon League of America, and local civic and religious organizations were pushing for enactment of prohibition laws in almost every state. Concerned about charges of church interference in politics, Mormon Church President Joseph F.

Smith did not pressure Utah lawmakers to enact prohibition laws in Utah. Nevertheless, other prominent Mormons, including three who later became church presidents-Heber J. Grant, George Albert Smith, and David O. McKay-actively participated in the prohibition campaign.

They and other prohibitionists were opposed by Mormon apostle Reed Smoot, a United States Senator and leader of the Utah Republican party. Smoot and other Republicans feared that the prohibition issue would erode their political base and revive the bitter clash between Mormons and non-Mormons in the state.

By 1909 prohibition advocates were arguing that Utah was among less than a dozen remaining “saloon” states-that is, states which had not restricted alcohol statewide or through a local government option. That year the state legislature considered two “dry” bills.

One was killed by Republican senators and the other, which passed the legislature, was vetoed by Republican Governor William Spry. In 1911 Republicans still opposed a statewide law prohibiting alcohol, but they did go along with legislation that provided for a local option. With the local option, most rural towns passed “dry” laws, but urban centers like Salt Lake City and Ogden did not.

Prohibitionists were not content, and in 1914 various temperance groups organized to form the Utah Federation of Prohibition and Betterment League. During the 1915 legislative session, the League helped push through another statewide prohibition law; but once again it was vetoed by Governor Spry.

By 1916 the Republican party had adopted prohibition as part of its national platform. Utah Republican leaders followed the national lead and included a dry plank in the state Republican platform. During the state Republican party convention, Governor William Spry was defeated for renomination by Nephi L.

Morris, whose record in support of prohibition was untarnished. Democrats also included a prohibition plank in their platform and nominated for Governor Simon Bamberger, a non-Mormon, German-born Jew who had voluntarily ended the sale of alcoholic beverages at his Lagoon resort and who offered to pay $1,000 for a portrait of any better prohibitionist than he.

1. In his first message to the state legislature, newly elected Governor Bamberger identified enactment of prohibition legislation as the first duty of the legislature.
2. Contending prohibition bills were introduced during the session.
3. One, modeled on an Oklahoma law, called for a prohibition commissioner to enforce the law, banned all beverages containing in excess of one-half of one percent alcohol by volume, and allowed, under certain circumstances, for the search and seizure of alcoholic beverages without a search warrant.

The other bill provided for enforcement by the governor and attorney general through the existing law enforcement system, raised the allowable alcohol content to two percent, and did not provide exceptions to the need for a search warrant. An uneasy compromise was passed with only one dissenting vote.

The compromise legislation retained the one-half of one percent limit, but did not include the prohibition commissioner or the exceptions for search warrants. The law, signed by Governor Bamberger, went into effect on 1 August 1917. The law recognized that some products containing alcohol were legitimate; they included patented medicines, flavoring extracts, pure grain alcohol for scientific and industrial purposes, and sacramental wines.

Persons could be convicted under the law for consuming, manufacturing, or selling alcohol. Newspaper reporters estimated that the law would affect four thousand persons in Salt Lake City alone who were dependent on the liquor business. As 1 August approached, liquor was sold at bargain prices and finally given away at any price.

The Salt Lake Tribune estimated that hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of liquor were acquired and stored in the cellars of Salt Lake residents, while the Deseret News maintained that prohibition “will be the greatest blessing we have known since Christ.” National advocates like evangelist Billy Sunday believed that prohibition would solve all of the country’s social and economic problems.

The movement grew, and in 1919 the Utah State Legislature joined with forty-five other states to ratify the Eighteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. Although both Utah law and the U.S. Constitution outlawed alcohol, it was still produced, sold, and consumed during the period of prohibition from 1917 to 1933, and public officials were often frustrated in their attempts to enforce the law.

• As what had been the legitimate businesses became illegal, the enterprises became part of an underground institution of bootleggers and speakeasies.
• People in many different occupations were identified with the illegal trade.
• In their study of prohibition in southeastern Utah, Jody Bailey and Robert S.

McPherson found that “Mormons and gentiles, miners and cowboys, farmers and businessmen, Mexicans and Navajos all trafficked in liquor.” Many, but certainly not all the violators of prohibition were immigrants from southern and eastern Europe for whom moderate alcohol consumption was a long-established way of life.

In some communities, even local law enforcement officers were involved in the illegal alcohol business. Between 1923 and 1932, Utah law enforcement officials uncovered 448 distilleries, 702 stills, thousands of pieces of distilling apparatus, 47,000 gallons of spirits, malt liquor, wine, and cider, and 332,000 gallons of mash.

Yet this was only a small percentage of what was actually being produced, as practically every community and every neighborhood in the larger cities housed an illegal still. One of the easiest types of bootleg alcohol to produce was known as sugar whiskey.

• It required a 100-pound bag of sugar, a sack of cornmeal and a sack of yeast, which were mixed together and boiled in fifty-gallon drums.
• Although Utah did not witness the development of gangs and gang warfare associated with prohibition as it did in some eastern cities, there were still instances of violence as bootleggers were shot and undercover agents attacked.

The violence accompanying prohibition, the rise of gangs and gangland warfare in large cities like Chicago, the failure of the Eighteenth Amendment to end alcohol consumption, the realization that prohibition would not solve the nation’s social and economic problems, and the crisis of the Great Depression were all factors that led to the repeal of prohibition.