Yes, you can buy a bottle. Plan around the system.
Utah makes alcohol available through a controlled retail and licensing system. The biggest visitor mistake is assuming that every grocery store sells wine and spirits or that a state store will be open whenever other retail businesses are.
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.
Buying bottles to take with you
For packaged distilled spirits, wine, flavored malt beverages and higher-alcohol beer, use a DABS state store or package agency. Grocery and convenience stores generally sell beer below 5% ABV.
State stores operate Monday through Saturday and are closed on Sundays and specified holidays. DABS says stores are generally open from 11 a.m. until either 7 p.m. or 10 p.m., but exact schedules vary. Check the individual store before traveling.
Package agencies may be convenient in smaller communities, hotels and resorts, but their selection is usually more limited.
Restaurants and bars
Utah has licensed restaurants, bars, hotels, resorts, breweries, wineries and distilleries. The license determines what may be served and when.
At restaurants, patrons must order food to be served alcohol. Bars may serve patrons at a bar or table and must have food available. DABS currently lists bar service from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. and restaurant service windows that vary by license and day.
Because license type matters, ask the establishment directly when a particular service or product is important to your plans.
Utah drink measurements
Licensed businesses serving liquor use metered dispensing. DABS explains that a mixed drink may contain no more than 1.5 ounces of primary liquor, with permitted secondary flavorings bringing the total spirituous liquor to no more than 2.5 ounces. Wine by the glass is limited to five ounces at the applicable licensed establishments.
Bringing your own bottle
Bringing alcohol into a public establishment for consumption—often called brown bagging—is generally prohibited. One exception allows a customer, at the licensee’s discretion, to bring bottled wine into a full-service restaurant, limited-service restaurant or bar; the business may charge a corkage fee. Confirm with the establishment in advance.
Identification and driving
You must be at least 21 to purchase or consume alcohol. Utah’s driving-under-the-influence threshold is 0.05%, and DABS notes that it also applies to bicycles. The safest plan is not to drive after drinking.
A five-minute visitor checklist
- Use the Product Locator if you want a specific bottle.
- Choose a store and verify its hours.
- Do not schedule state-store shopping for Sunday.
- Check holiday closures.
- Bring valid identification.
- Confirm restaurant, bar or producer hours directly.
- Arrange safe transportation if drinking.
Official links
- DABS Residents & Visitors
- DABS store finder
- DABS Product Locator
- Utah alcohol statutes and quick facts
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