Utah Is Modernizing Its Liquor Laws

Utah's strange liquor laws, which have long been the subject of jokes and misunderstandings, are being overhauled. The result will be regulations that are more tourist friendly, similar to rules found in other states.

Yesterday legislative leaders announced details of a compromise overhaul bill that would eliminate two oddities: Utah's private club law and the so-called "Zion curtain."

The action has generated news reports around the world. Below are excerpts from this Boston Herald article.

Utah is the only state in the country that requires someone to be a member of a private club or the guest of one to enter a bar.

The membership requirement has long been considered a headache for locals and a deterrent to tourists who have frequently chosen to go skiing in Colorado instead of Utah because of the state’s perplexing liquor laws.

"We’re moving toward much greater normalization today of our alcohol policy," (Governor Jon) Huntsman said.

Another of Utah’s quirky liquor laws is also on the chopping block.

Utah is the only state that prohibits bartenders from serving cocktails directly over bar counters in restaurants. A partition usually made of glass known as a Zion Curtain serves as a separator.
Under the deal lawmakers have reached, the Zion Curtain could come down in existing restaurants and minors would be prohibited from sitting at bar counters.