Utah’s liquor control agency has changed its enforcement policy yet again. In an apparent about-face, the agency is returning to its prior policy, which requires evidence of an intent to dine before wait staff can serve drinks to restaurant patrons.  The agency’s head enforcement officer recently confirmed that compliance officers will not cite restaurants that serve drinks as patrons look over menus or wait to be seated, as long as they eventually order food.  This latest change comes in response to public outcry about the agency’s stricter interpretation of a key provision of Utah’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Act.  The agency began in December citing restaurants that served alcoholic drinks to patrons before they actually placed a food order. 

Photo of Adrienne Bell Adrienne Bell

Adrienne J. Bell supports the firm’s Beverage and Hospitality industry team with advice to clients on alcohol licensing and compliance issues. Adrienne, an associate in Stoel Rives’ Real Estate section, practices in the areas of real estate, energy and natural resources law. As…

Adrienne J. Bell supports the firm’s Beverage and Hospitality industry team with advice to clients on alcohol licensing and compliance issues. Adrienne, an associate in Stoel Rives’ Real Estate section, practices in the areas of real estate, energy and natural resources law. As well as contributing to the Alcoholic Beverages Law blog, she co-authored an article on changes to Utah’s Alcohol Laws and was interviewed on X96 radio in Salt Lake City on proposed Utah alcohol service and consumption legislation.