As Utah gears up to host the Winter Olympics in 2034, state lawmakers are contemplating significant revisions to the state's liquor laws, which have long been seen as stringent and somewhat idiosyncratic. Among the proposed changes is a potential reduction of the legal blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for driving under the influence (DUI) from the current .05 to .02, aligning with practices observed in many European countries. Senator Jerry Stevenson, a Republican representing Layton and a key figure in the legislative discussions surrounding alcohol laws, emphasized the need for careful consideration of this proposal. "If you look at Europe, their tolerance in most countries is .02, and then they have some pretty drastic penalties and seem to get along really well with that," Stevenson told FOX 13 News. He noted that while discussions are ongoing, any change to the DUI threshold is unlikely to be included in the comprehensive alcohol bill expected in the 2026 legislative session. Currently, Utah boasts the strictest DUI laws in the United States, with a BAC limit of .05, which was enacted in 2019. Additionally, the state has implemented a rigorous 100% ID check requirement for any establishment serving alcohol, a measure aimed at ensuring responsible alcohol consumption. These laws have garnered both praise and criticism, as they aim to reduce drunk driving incidents while also being perceived as restrictive by some residents and visitors. Senator Stevenson is part of a Republican supermajority tasked with evaluating and proposing alcohol-related legislation. The process involves extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including hospitality and restaurant associations, alcohol advocacy groups, and, notably, representatives from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which has a significant cultural influence in the state. The potential move to a .02 BAC limit, while still in the discussion phase, reflects a wider trend of examining alcohol-related policies in light of Utah's evolving tourism landscape. The implications of changing the DUI threshold could be far-reaching, particularly for Utah's tourism sector, which attracts millions of visitors annually drawn to its natural beauty and outdoor activities. However, the idea has met cautious reception, even from advocates for stricter DUI enforcement. Glendon Mitchell, whose grandson tragically lost his life in a DUI-related incident in 2022, stated, "I think it's important for everyone to realize that a person is impaired after the first drink. The real message critical for Utahns is don't drink and drive." In addition to the potential DUI threshold change, lawmakers are also set to address modifications to the 100% ID check law. The current requirement has posed challenges for foreign tourists who may not carry their passports while dining out. Legislators are exploring ways to accommodate these visitors while maintaining the integrity of alcohol sales regulations. Another significant area of focus in the upcoming omnibus alcohol bill is the issue of proximity regulations. Under existing Utah law, establishments serving alcohol are prohibited from obtaining a liquor license if they are located within 200 feet of community landmarks such as parks, schools, and churches. This restriction has hindered the development of various dining establishments in desirable locations, particularly in urban areas like downtown Salt Lake City, where there are plans for extensive redevelopment, including a proposed hotel near Sugar House Park. To address these challenges, lawmakers are considering implementing a waiver process that would allow local governments to assess and potentially approve liquor licenses for establishments within the restricted proximity, provided there is no objection from the community. Lincoln Shurtz, a lobbyist representing the Salt Lake Area Restaurant Association, emphasized the need for flexibility in these regulations to support local economic growth without compromising community standards. Furthermore, there are discussions about revising the 70/30 sales ratio rule that dictates how much of a restaurant's revenue can come from alcohol sales compared to food sales. Currently, restaurants are limited to 30% of their total sales being alcohol. As food prices rise, this ratio has become increasingly challenging for establishments. Shurtz noted that while the ratio itself may not change, adjustments in how it is calculated (whether based on wholesale or retail prices) could prevent restaurants from losing their licenses due to being classified as bars. As the legislative session progresses, Sen. Stevenson indicated that there is currently no demand for additional bar licenses, which are allocated based on population quotas. Under a law enacted in 2024, this quota will gradually shift to one license per 7,264 residents by 2031. In conclusion, as Utah navigates the complexities of its liquor laws in preparation for the upcoming Olympics and in response to changing social dynamics, both lawmakers and community members will need to engage in thoughtful dialogue. The proposed changes to DUI thresholds, ID checks, proximity regulations, and sales ratios could shape not only the state's legal framework but also its cultural landscape as it seeks to balance tradition with modernity.