Citing Tourism, Utah Bars Open to Public
March 10, 2009 by Gennaro
Filed under Travel News
The Utah legislature is set to end a 40-year-old system that required an application and fee in order to enter a bar. With tourism struggling, Utah is looking to preserve their $6 billion-a-year industry. Bars could open their doors to the public as early as July 1. Yearly memberships currently range from $13 to $30 per year. A three-week temperary membership is available for tourists for only $4 after completing an application.
Private Membership, Murphy’s, Utah © Mark Hillary
The majority of the state’s population are members of the Mormon church, which prefers that its members abstain from alcohol. That being said, over 80% of lawmakers who will likely pass the law are church members. This demonstrates a sharp change in the influence of the church in legislation along with the severity of the economic recession. Though the fee was manageable, its elimination will keep Utah in step with the other 49 states. It will also make it a lot easier for tourists to spend their dollars in Utah establishments.
Would requiring an application and fees to enter a bar prevent you from visiting Utah?
Headed to the Southwest? Read about the free entertainment of Las Vegas. Dubai bans public kissing and skimpy clothing.
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.
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Barcelona, Spain
The application and fee wouldn’t stop me from going to Utah, but it would definitely be a hassle. It just strikes me a unnecessary. I understand the religious aspects, but it’s not illegal and the fees aren’t that high. It seems to be just a small barrier that might bring a little shame on local applicants.
Like Tim, it wouldn’t stop me for going as my visit would be mostly for the outdoors in Utah, but I’m glad it’s ending. It’s insulting for adults to fill out an application for bar membership. I wonder if any bars will keep private memberships? Doubt it.
I don’t recall paying a membership the one time I had a drink in Utah in a small town just outside Zion. Maybe I became a temporary member without knowing. It wouldn’t stop me having a drink but would probably surprise me and make me suspicious until it was explained.
@Tim
Interesting take on it. It puts a bit of a stigma on attending bars to require that process.
@Seth
I’d be very surprised if any of the bars kept the current system.
@Mark H
It’s possible that a few went under the radar or incorporated the fee.
One more reason to head to Utah (once they get rid of the application and fee.)
It looks like this is the way to go now. I read somewhere that Georgia, where I live, is thinking of changing their “no alcohol sales on Sunday” laws. We’re pretty happy about that… having to plan ahead is for the birds! Hmmm… does this imply that profit trumps religion?
I actually heard about that for the first time from my cousin who passed through Utah. It was a surprise and definitely unexpected.
Is this a sign of the end times?
@Lisis
Yep, those no Sunday laws (blue laws) are still around in most states.
@J.D. Meier
It’s one of the interesting things about the U.S. Each state has their own deal going.
I dont think a permit and fee would stop me from going to a bar in Utah, but it makes it less desirable (which is probably the point) and is certainly a hoop to jump through. Not to mention that (I am assuming here) I could buy a 6 pack at the grocery store and have a couple beers that way much easier.
@Ryan
I’m with you. Less desirable, but not going to keep me from visiting Utah. It’s interesting to see how different states handle different issues.
That’s random. Never knew about it. Agree with dropping it though. If people can drink anyway, why waist time with a song and dance?
@Dinny
There are lots of random state laws. Though most are not enforced as this was.
Requiring an application would prevent me from VISITING Utah in the first place! With that said, I never had a reason to go. I’m not sure how I would feel about having to pay to have a drink…
@Carla
It’s definitely not a policy that seems to be received well from non-locals and apparently they’re having a change of heart too.
I’ve never heard of this before. I don’t drink so even if I had visited I wouldn’t have noticed. I think the point of going to Utah is for the outdoors anyway not the bar culture.
Now I’m curious as to what sort of impact this law had on the Salt Lake olympics.
@Kim Woodbridge
I’d be going for outdoor activities not for partying
So, I think it didn’t have a huge impact, but it shows that a little less power is in the hands of the former admins.