Hosting in Utah: parties, weddings and event permits

Throwing a party, planning a wedding, or running a fundraiser? Utah's rules mostly turn on one question: is anyone paying for the drinks? If not, and it's a private guest list, you're probably in the clear. This page covers the general shape of the rules. For anything you're selling, DABS and your city or county have the final say, so check with them early.

Private parties: no permit needed

You don't need a permit from DABS or your city to serve alcohol at an event if you don't charge guests for drinks, don't charge admission, and the event isn't open to the public. That covers most home parties, holiday gatherings and weddings with an open bar the hosts pay for.

Careful with how you invite people, though. DABS says that if you're advertising on social media, handing out tickets, or charging an admission fee, it is not a private party. And if you hold it somewhere without a liquor license, the space must not be open or accessible to the general public.

Stocking up

• Shop early. Wine, spirits and beer over 5% come from state liquor stores, which close Sundays and holidays. A Saturday-night party on a holiday weekend means buying by Saturday.
• Need something unusual, or a lot of it? State stores carry a wide selection, and DABS can special order a product for your event if you plan ahead. Special orders are by the full case and take about 45 days.
• No kegs. Only licensed businesses and event permit holders may have beer in containers bigger than two liters. Plan on cans and bottles.
• No freebies from brands. Alcohol companies can't donate their products to your event or party, even as a sponsor.

Weddings and receptions

You have a few options:

• A licensed reception center. These can sell and serve alcohol at booked events like weddings, any day from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.
• A licensed restaurant or bar. You can have them serve your guests under their license, or rent the space and bring your own alcohol to serve free, if they allow it. Expect a fee either way.
• Your own venue or backyard. Fine as a private party: free drinks, invited guests, not open to the public.

About caterers: in Utah, caterers aren't licensed to sell alcohol and can't hold a permit for you. They can bartend and be paid for their service, but if you want a cash bar, the permit has to be yours.

Selling drinks: permits

A cash bar, a ticket that includes drinks, or an event open to the public all need a permit. There are two kinds:

Single event permit (spirits, wine and beer)

• Only for established organizations: corporations, partnerships, LLCs, incorporated associations, churches and political organizations, that have existed for at least a year. Not for individuals.
• Get local consent and permits from your city or county first, then apply to DABS.
• Apply at least 30 days ahead. Applications that arrive less than seven business days before the event won't be considered.

Temporary beer permit (beer only)

Selling only beer? A temporary beer permit covers events of up to 30 days and is available to anyone. Same process: local consent first, then DABS.

Parks and public places

Planning a picnic? Drinking in a public building, park or stadium isn't allowed without a license or event permit, and cities and counties can add their own rules. More in out and about.