Changes to Utah Liquor Laws A’Brewin
Press Release
- June 03 2009
- 45 views
- add a comment
Long known for its conservative and quirky drinking regulations, Utah Legislators recently made progressive changes to the State’s liquor laws, notably the elimination of Utah’s private club system. Beginning July 1, 2009, this move by the Utah Legislature no longer requires clubs and bars to charge patrons a “membership” fee upon entering a drinking establishment. While Park City has long been home to brew pubs, watering holes and master mixologists, 2009 signifies an evolutionary change for locals and visitors alike, and there’s never been a better reason to celebrate.
Following the Utah Legislature’s 2008 landmark change to increase the amount of a single shot by 50%, from 1 ounce to 1.5 ounces, Park City continues to lure visitors from across the globe. “With all of the new changes in our liquor laws, guests will no longer be able to use antiquated alcohol rules as a reason to shy away from a Park City vacation, meeting or convention,” said Bill Malone, CEO and President of the Park City Chamber/Visitors Bureau. “While it will be difficult to measure the economic effect that these changes will have, we know for sure that it’s one less obstacle for us to overcome in attracting visitors to Park City.” To commemorate these revolutionary liquor changes, Park City will kick off the summer with two new ways to imbibe in Utah’s favorite elixir.
Utah’s first distillery since Prohibition will open its doors in Park City in July 2009 and will be located in a renovated 100-year-old livery stable near the base of Town Lift on Park Avenue. The High West Distillery is a ski-in/ski-out restaurant and saloon that will feature craft vodkas, whiskeys and a small-plate menu. With liquor already in production, High West Distillery has garnered numerous prestigious awards, including the Double Gold for its Rendezvous Rye Whiskey at the 2008 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Park City’s 4th annual Libation Nation cocktail contest was held earlier this spring, giving local bartenders the chance to mix up a Signature Cocktail for 2009. Each year, the winning Signature Cocktail becomes Park City’s “official” drink of the year, and Deer Valley Resort bartender Bonnie Ulmer received the winning accolade among a panel of judges. Ulmer’s drink, the St. Germain Elderflower cocktail, is a light and refreshing concoction that features artisanal French liqueur and will be served at participating restaurants and bars throughout Park City.
»
