Utah’s “Quirky” DUI Laws About to Change
Utah has some of the most unique liquor laws in the country. The state required bars and pubs to operate as “clubs.” They could only admit members and had to charge at least $12 a year in membership fees.
Even at restaurants alcoholic drinks would sometimes have to be prepared behind glass partitions or closed doors.
But that is changing in the name of tourism after the state legislature and the governor agreed to work together on Senate Bill 187.
The bill would allow for bars to operate as they do in the rest of the country. In return, bars will scan the IDs of all patrons and store that data for one week as part of efforts to keep track of drunk drivers.
Critics say the new laws will make it easier for Utah residents and visitors to drink, which may lead to more DUI offenses. Most groups – from tourists to the Church of Latter Day Saints – support the measure. From the AP story:
“I think it’s great that it essentially says to tourists, to travelers, that you are welcome here and that we’re excited to host you and Utah’s a normal place,” said Utah Travel Industry Coalition executive director Danny Richardson.
Get the latest updates on DUI laws across the country.
Leave a comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.