Match the product to the right place.
Utah controls the retail sale of packaged liquor, wine, flavored malt beverages and heavy beer through state stores and package agencies. Grocery and convenience stores generally sell beer below 5% alcohol by volume. Licensed producers and hospitality businesses may also sell or serve alcohol within the privileges of their licenses.
Last verified September 22, 2026.
The Back Shelf is an independent publication and is not affiliated with or operated by the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services. Rules, hours, inventory and procedures can change. Verify current information before purchasing or traveling.
Where to shop
DABS state stores
State stores carry packaged spirits, wine, flavored malt beverages and higher-alcohol beer. Selection varies by location. DABS says it operates 52 state stores, open Monday through Saturday, generally from 11 a.m. until either 7 p.m. or 10 p.m. Exact hours and holiday closures vary, so use the official store finder before traveling.
Package agencies
Package agencies are smaller authorized outlets, often serving rural communities, hotels or resorts. They generally offer a more limited selection than larger state stores. Confirm the individual location and hours before relying on one for a specific bottle.
Grocery and convenience stores
These stores can sell qualifying beer below 5% ABV, including on Sundays. They are not substitutes for a state store when you need distilled spirits, wine or higher-alcohol beer.
Utah producers
Breweries, wineries and distilleries may offer on-site sales under their licenses. Availability, hours and permitted products vary by producer. Check the producer directly before making a special trip.
A practical shopping workflow
- Search the official Product Locator for the exact product.
- Confirm the bottle size and state product number, called the CSC, when similar names appear.
- Review the stores displayed for that product.
- Check the selected store’s current hours and holiday schedule.
- Treat inventory as time-sensitive and consider calling before a long drive.
- If the product is marked allocated or rare, follow the applicable allocation or drawing process rather than ordinary shopping expectations.
- If the product is not carried, determine whether it may qualify for a special order.
Understanding DABS product status codes
DABS publishes status codes that help explain how an item is handled:
| Code | DABS meaning |
|---|---|
1 |
General distribution |
D |
Discontinued general-distribution product with limited quantity |
L |
Limited or high-end product sold at selected stores |
X |
Discontinued limited product sold at selected stores |
A |
Allocated in certain quantities at selected stores |
U |
Expected to become unavailable shortly |
S |
Available by special order only |
N |
Unavailable general item |
T |
Trial product |
A status describes the state listing—not a promise that a bottle is presently sitting on a particular shelf.
Before you drive
- Check the DABS store finder for hours and closures.
- Make sure you are viewing the correct size or expression.
- Note that store selection and product availability can differ across Utah.
- For allocations, use the dated monthly release list rather than ordinary inventory assumptions.
- Bring valid identification and remember that purchasers must be at least 21.
Continue
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