Finding and Drinking Alcohol in Park City
The idea that finding a drink in Park City is difficult – is a bit of a misnomer. Part of the perception stems from the fact that the Utah liquor laws are traditionally strict, in part because of the influence of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
That said, various pro-company agencies as well Republican State Senator Peter Knudson have been spearheading an effort to liberalize the state’s liquor laws. It seems their intent is to increase area revenues and wipeout a lingering impression that Utah is somehow a backwards or Draconian state (that is our take on it anyway).
At the end of the day, there is no shortage of spirits in the area and you won’t need to “cut a deal” in the shadows to get a drink. Park City makes it especially easy with more alcoholic beverage businesses per capita than any other place in the state.
As a reminder, although Park City’s natural beauty and perpetual good-vibe may make it seem “other worldly” – you still have to be 21 years of age to a drink. Below is some specific information from the Utah Department of Alcohol Beverage Control.
And if you are really worried about it, you can get all the latest lip service on libations here: http://www.alcbev.state.ut.us/
Beer
You can purchase 3.2% beer at the grocery and convenience stores. Full-strength beer is for sale at state liquor stores (see addresses below) and is sold in private clubs and restaurants with liquor licenses.
Wine
Wine is served in restaurants and private clubs and can be purchased at the state liquor stores.
Wine is served in restaurants and private clubs and can be purchased at the state liquor stores.
Liquor
You can buy liquor at state liquor stores and purchase it by the drink in most restaurants (if you order food) and all private clubs (without ordering food).
Private Club Membership
Visitors (21 and over) may purchase a temporary membership to any private club for $4, enabling them to enter and consume alcoholic beverages. The visitors’ card is valid for three weeks from the date of purchase, and allows the visitor and up to 7 guests to use the club. Memberships must be purchased from each private club you visit. Alternatively, a member can sponsor a guest provided that there is a pre-existing relationship between guest and sponsor. The sponsor is required to remain in the club while the sponsored guest is present.
You can buy liquor at state liquor stores and purchase it by the drink in most restaurants (if you order food) and all private clubs (without ordering food).
Private Club Membership
Visitors (21 and over) may purchase a temporary membership to any private club for $4, enabling them to enter and consume alcoholic beverages. The visitors’ card is valid for three weeks from the date of purchase, and allows the visitor and up to 7 guests to use the club. Memberships must be purchased from each private club you visit. Alternatively, a member can sponsor a guest provided that there is a pre-existing relationship between guest and sponsor. The sponsor is required to remain in the club while the sponsored guest is present.
Brown Bagging/Unfinished Wine
Subject to the discretion of the establishment, patrons may pay a corkage fee allowing them to bring in their own bottled wine to licensed restaurants and private clubs for on premise consumption. Patrons may carry out unfinished wine from a restaurant or private club provided that the bottle has been re-corked.
