Agency: Alcoholic Beverage Control

Function

Utah is one of eighteen liquor control states and one of two totally state run systems. The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (DABC) operates 41 State stores and approximately 100 package agencies. These state stores and package agencies are the exclusive retailers of liquor, wine and heavy beer (more than 4 percent alcohol by volume) in the Utah. The Department administers liquor laws and licenses on-premise businesses, temporary single event permits, manufacturers, wholesalers, warehouses, importers, and liquor representatives.

The Department regulates the manufacture, sale and use of alcoholic beverages to serve Utah citizens and tourists. Without promoting the sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages, the Department operates as a public business using sound management principles and practices generating revenue for state and local government programs. The Department licenses and regulates the sale of alcoholic beverages at prices that reasonably satisfy the public demand while also protecting the public interest.

Liquor sales provide a major source of income to the State's General Fund. Net profits are deposited in the General Fund and used to support state government operations. State law also requires a transfer of 10% of gross sales to support school lunch. A portion of the tax on beer goes to local governments to help cover their costs of liquor law enforcement.

Statutory Authority

The following statutes govern the operation of the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

• UCA 32A has all the general agency provisions plus provisions for licensing, permits, distribution, criminal codes, liability, and nuisance.

Funding Detail

The additional $1,631,300 in one-time General Fund shown in 2007 appropriated is to implement S. B. 58, 'Alcoholic Beverage Amendments-Eliminating Alcohol Sales to Youth' and will fund a media campaign to reduce underage drinking.