Notice: Applications now being accepted for Type 2 & Type 3 package agency contracts, for fiscal year 2026-2028. Application checklist found here. Apply through the online application portal. Applications are accepted now through March 10, 2025.

PACKAGE AGENCIES

Package agencies are retail liquor locations operated by private proprietors under an agreement with the DABS. Per the legal agreement, owners can sell packaged alcoholic beverages (similar to what is found at state liquor stores) that are purchased in the original bottle or container and taken off-site for consumption. (Utah Administrative Code R82-2-301)

There are five package agency types:

Type 1: Operated in conjunction with a resort environment (e.g., hotel, ski lodge, summer recreation area) and located on the resort property. These often look like small liquor outlets.

Type 2: Operated in conjunction with another business where the primary source of income to the operator is not from the sale of liquor; i.e. a convenience store setting with a liquor outlet onsite.

Type 3: Small liquor stores that are most often located in rural areas where state liquor stores are not nearby.

Type 4: Located within a licensed hotel or similar facility that is authorized to sell and deliver liquor to tenants or occupants; i.e. room service. Type 4 package agencies are not open to the public.

Type 5: Located at licensed alcohol manufacturing businesses such as distillers, brewers, and wineries. Allows for the manufacturing business to sell the packaged liquor product it produces.

Per Utah law, after the Alcoholic Beverage Services Commission approves a person’s application for a package agency, the person is required to enter into a package agency agreement with the DABS governing the package agency operations. Below are the package agency agreements used by the DABS.

Package agencies are issued to individuals and/or companies on a contract basis with the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services. These are liquor stores that offer a modest selection of products. They may be located in hotels, resorts, and in the less populous cities and communities of the state. The law permits one package agency for every 18,000 persons of the state population. Products are sold for consumption off of the agency premises and purchasers must be 21 years of age or older.

Applications for new licenses must be submitted no later than the 10th of the month in order to be considered on that month's DABS commission agenda. However, more complex applications may take longer to research and may be deferred to another month's commission meeting by the DABS.

Local licensing will also be required. Check with your local business licensing before applying with DABS. Incomplete applications will be rejected or returned and may then be resubmitted when complete. Please follow your application checklist carefully.

Hours of operation vary to accommodate the specific needs of the area or location, but hours are generally from noon to 11:00 p.m. Package agencies are closed on Sundays, state and federal holidays.

Forms & Documents: