MARCH 18, 2026
The 2026 session of the Utah State Legislature recently wrapped up; and as expected, legislators made changes to alcohol policy. The DABS is in the process of reviewing the changes thoroughly to fully understand the impacts to all of us who sell or serve alcohol in the state of Utah.
One urgent change is regarding ID verification requirements; changes of which are retroactive to Jan. 2026 and therefore effective immediately.
The 100% ID check requirement is now removed for all license types and permit holders (except for bars, taverns, and off-premise beer retailers). Bars, taverns, and off-premise beer retailers must continue checking customer IDs 100% of the time, regardless of age appearance.
2026 Utah Alcohol Legislation
Alcohol Amendments (HB 597)
Identification Verification Amendments (HB 59)
Immediate Changes for all License and Permit Types except for Bar, Tavern, Off-Premise Beer Retailer (grocery, convenience stores)
All Restaurant License Types
- Only customers purchasing alcohol who appear to be 35 years or younger, must have their ID checked AND electronically scanned. The requirements do not differ based on whether the patron is in a dispensing area or dining area.
All Other License Types and Permit Holders (except for bars, taverns, and off-premise retailers)
- Do not have 100% ID check requirements.
- Must not sell or provide alcohol to minors or to individuals who are considered to be interdicted (those with the “no alcohol sale” language on Utah state issued IDs). License and permit holders determine how to operationalize this requirement.
Other ID verification requirements are listed below.
Asterisk(*) indicates new provision with an effective compliance date of May 6, 2026. All other requirements are unchanged and remain effective now.
Bars and Taverns
- 100% ID check requirement prior to entering premises, including every ID must be electronically scanned.
- ID check must include a visual check of Utah state issued IDs to confirm whether the language “No Alcohol Sale” is on the individual’s ID, meaning the individual is considered “interdicted” and not permitted to purchase alcohol. (Note: interdicted persons are permitted to be on the premises but must not purchase or consume alcohol.)
Off-Premise Beer Retailers and Package Agencies
- 100% ID check requirement for all customers purchasing alcohol, regardless of age appearance. Must visually check all Utah state issued IDs to confirm whether the language “No Alcohol Sale” is on the individual’s ID, meaning the individual is considered “interdicted” and not permitted to purchase alcohol.
- *Off-Premise retailers must electronically scan customer IDs for curbside order pickup, drive-through window purchases, and pickup of orders at a designated loading area of alcoholic products. (Electronic scanning is not required for in-store alcohol purchases.)
NOTE: ID checks and electronic scanning only applies to customers ordering alcoholic beverages or entering a bar or tavern.
Table updated on 3/17/2026
| License Type | 100% ID Check (regardless of age appearance) | Electronic Scan Every ID (regardless of age appearance) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bar & Tavern | Yes | Yes | ID must be scanned prior to entering the premises. An “interdicted” person can be on the premise but is not allowed to purchase or consume an alcoholic beverage. |
| Full-Service, Limited-Service & Beer-Only Restaurants | No | No. Electronic scanning only required for customers who appear to be younger than 35 years old. | Requirements consistent throughout restaurant premise, including in common dining areas and dispensing areas. |
| All other On-Premise Licensees & Permit Holders | No | No | |
| Off-Premise Licensees (grocery & convenient stores) | Yes | No. Electronic scanning only required for curbside & drive-through pickup. It is not required for in-store purchases. |
Acceptable ID Scanning Software
Licensees are required to utilize appropriate scanning technology. Those currently using scanners likely already use the necessary software and would not need to change their scanners.
Change to Acceptable Forms of ID
Effective May 6, 2026, foreign driver licenses will also be acceptable forms of identification. See the current acceptable IDs on the DABS website.
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