In a significant change to its alcohol regulations, Utah has enacted a new law requiring all individuals, regardless of age, to present identification when purchasing alcohol. This law, effective January 1, 2024, eliminates the previous policy that allowed some discretion based on appearance. Under the old law, customers who appeared to be over the age of 35 could potentially bypass ID checks, depending on the judgment of the door staff. However, the new legislation mandates that everyone purchasing alcohol in the state must show ID, a move that is part of broader efforts to combat extreme DUI cases. Dave Morris, the owner of the Handle Bar in Salt Lake City, expressed his concerns regarding the implications of the law. "If you appeared under 35, you had to get ID'd. If you appeared over 35? It was up to the discretion of the door guy whether you had to get scanned," he noted. The shift to a blanket ID requirement aims to ensure that all establishments comply uniformly, but it raises questions about enforcement and the potential for confusion among patrons and staff alike. Michelle Schmitt, a spokesperson for Utah's Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services (DABS), emphasized that the law applies to everyone purchasing alcohol, including in grocery stores, convenience stores, and bars. "Everyone who is purchasing alcohol in Utah, no matter where you are, prepare to have your ID checked. Regardless of age or appearance, prepare to have your ID checked," she stated. This means that even individuals who are visibly older than 21, such as a 75-year-old, will be required to present their identification when buying a six-pack of beer at a local store. The law, which was passed by the Utah State Legislature earlier this year, is part of a larger initiative to tackle issues surrounding DUIs. A notable component of the legislation is the introduction of a special license for individuals designated as "restricted" persons by a court, prohibiting them from purchasing alcohol. These licenses are set to be issued starting in January 2024, further emphasizing the state's commitment to responsible alcohol distribution. Bar owners have expressed their apprehension about the law's potential ramifications. Morris pointed out that the legislation does not specify exceptions for staff members, delivery drivers, or even bar owners themselves. "There’s no exception for anybody written in the law. If you read the law, it says any individual who comes into a bar has to get ID'd. So I'm an individual, I'm the owner, do I have to get ID'd?" he questioned. This ambiguity raises concerns about how the law will be enforced and what constitutes a violation. Schmitt clarified that the law is intended to apply solely to customers and reiterated that even regular patrons must present their IDs every time they visit an alcohol-selling establishment. "Even repeat customers, if the person checking IDs at the door knows the customer, they need to check their ID 100% of the time," she stated. This policy shift aims to promote stringent compliance among all establishments selling alcohol, ensuring that visual checks are consistently performed. The new law has garnered mixed reactions from the public. Some patrons expressed dissatisfaction with the requirement of repeated ID checks, feeling it detracts from the personal connections established in local bars. Kurt Wilhelm, a frequent bar-goer, lamented, "Responsible drinkers that routinely give patronage to a place like this? They want to feel as if they're walking into a familiar place every time they come in. I think being asked to ID themselves every single time takes away some of that personal relationship." However, others, like Darin Brooks, embraced the change, suggesting that it should be a standard practice. "It should be normal anyways, just because of things that have happened lately - wrong-way drivers. So I think it's a really good thing," he remarked. This division in public opinion highlights the broader societal conversation about responsible drinking and regulatory measures. Hospitality groups have also voiced concerns about the law's potential impact on tourism. Historically, Utah law has mandated that foreign visitors present a passport for alcohol purchases, disregarding foreign driver licenses. Michele Corigliano, head of the Salt Lake Area Restaurant Association, expressed a desire for legislative adjustments, suggesting that foreign driver licenses should be accepted alongside passports. "SLARA supports the 100% ID check as a concept, but we would like to see tweaks to the law to accommodate foreign tourists," she stated. As Utah prepares for its upcoming hosting of the Olympics in 2034, there is concern that the stringent ID requirements could deter international visitors. Morris warned that the law could create negative perceptions among tourists, saying, "Imagine being a 70-year-old from Germany, forgetting your passport, and then being unable to enjoy a beer. That could lead to unfavorable reviews and perceptions of Utah as a destination." Additionally, the acceptance of mobile IDs remains uncertain, as many establishments have not yet upgraded their systems to accommodate digital identification. This inconsistency could pose further challenges for both residents and visitors attempting to comply with the new regulations. As Utah embarks on this new chapter in its alcohol laws, the implications of the 100% ID check will likely be felt throughout the state’s hospitality industry and beyond.