Wanted: Applicants to manage small retail liquor stores known as package agencies

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – The Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services (DABS) announces applications are now being accepted from business-minded Utahns interested in operating retail liquor stores known as package agencies. DABS Director Tiffany Clason says package agencies are mostly located in rural communities, and operators manage the stores through three-year contracts with the state of Utah.

“Package agencies often look like small retail liquor stores located in rural parts of Utah where state liquor stores are sparse. These stores are built into the fabric of tight-knit small towns, serving local residents and tourists visiting Utah’s scenic attractions. Utahns are known for their entrepreneurial spirit and we hope to receive a diverse and qualified pool of applicants interested in the opportunity,” said Clason.

Clason says there are 37 package agency contracts available to applicants interested in operating a store as an independent contractor. Applications are being accepted online now through March 10, 2025. In May 2025, the Alcoholic Beverage Services Commission will publicly review the applications before making their final selection of which applicants will be awarded three year contracts.

“The commission looks forward to a robust, competitive process in search of the best package agency operators to run efficient, customer service-focused stores while following the state’s safety and regulatory requirements,” said Alcoholic Beverage Services Commission Chair Steve Handy. “The commission hopes to see applicants that demonstrate good business management skills and understand the unique nature of the respective communities where they would operate.”

Clason says most package agency operators have successfully managed their businesses for several years and expects many will apply to continue operating under a renewed contract agreement with the state of Utah.

Find more information about package agencies and details on how to apply for a fiscal year 2025-2028 package agency contract. 

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Package agency contracts accepted in the following locations:

MunicipalityCounty
BeaverBeaver
MilfordBeaver
TremontonBox Elder
RichmondCache
SunnysideCarbon
HelperCarbon
RooseveltDuchesne
DuchesneDuchesne
Green RiverEmery
Castle DaleEmery
Lake PowellGarfield
BryceGarfield
BoulderGarfield
EscalanteGarfield
ParowanIron
Brian HeadIron
NephiJuab
EurekaJuab
KanabKane
DeltaMillard
FillmoreMillard
MorganMorgan
Garden CityRich
MidvaleSalt Lake
MonticelloSan Juan
EphraimSanpete
Mt PleasantSanpete
CenterfieldSanpete
PanguitchSanpete
SalinaSevier
RichfieldSevier
CoalvilleSummit
KamasSummit
PaysonUtah
SpringdaleWashington
TorreyWayne
EdenWeber