SALT LAKE CITY (AP) – Utah lawmakers have approved the most sweeping changes to the state’s liquor laws in 40 years in an effort to boost tourism and make the state appear a little less odd.
The Legislature on Thursday eliminated the state’s private club system, which requires customers to fill out an application and pay a fee for the right to enter a bar.
Bartenders in restaurants will also be allowed to serve cocktails directly over bar counters instead of walking around them.
Utah, with a government historically dominated by Mormon church members, is the only state in the country with either law.
The state’s DUI laws will become more strict. Anyone who looks younger than 35 will have their driver’s licenses scanned before entering a bar to make sure they’re 21 or older and their ID is real.
AP-ES-03-12-09 1651EDT
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