SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control is going to require ID to purchase liquor at any state-run liquor store.
The agency announced at its monthly commission meeting on Tuesday that it was going to a 100% compliance check for all of its stores.
The DABC has long required ID to purchase alcohol, but it has been hit or miss when it comes to clerks actually enforcing it. It has been left at their discretion if the person looked over 35, DABC deputy director Cade Meier said.
The policy shift was brought about by several factors, including a desire to avoid complaints about cashiers scanning one customer’s ID but ignoring another people; the requirement that face coverings be worn in all liquor stores to slow the spread of COVID-19; and to continue to prevent those who are underage from purchasing alcohol.
The DABC will require clerks to scan the barcode on the back of a state-issued ID card or enter a person’s date of birth to verify the age. The agency said it would accept a:
- State issued ID card
- Valid driver’s license
- Military ID
- Valid passport
The DABC said the only information that is retained is a date of birth and the validity of the ID.
"Any information scanned will only include the date of birth and validity of ID. No personal information such as name, address or item purchased will be retained in any way. Scanned information certainly is not kept," Meier told the commission.
The 100% ID compliance takes effect Oct. 5.
At its monthly commission meeting, the DABC also reported its first decline in sales in years. The agency's August numbers showed it was $6 million down from the same time last year.
DABC Executive Director Sal Petilos attributed it to a number of factors: heavier beers moved to grocery and convenience stores; reduced sales days; reduced store hours and staffing issues related to COVID-19; and bars and restaurants not purchasing as much because of the pandemic.
