Utah Raises Beer Alcohol Content

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Utah raises its beer alcohol content from 3.2 percent alcohol by volume (ABW) to 4 percent.

ABW: A measure of how much alcohol is in a beverage.

Utah lawmakers have agreed to allow beer with slightly more alcohol content for sale in Utah grocery and convenience stores.

The Bill was introduced due to the declining production of 3.2 beer. Big companies like Anheuser-Busch and Coors are cutting back on low-alcohol beer.

Utah and Minnesota are the only last two states which allow for this alcohol law.

But with Utah set to raise their beer alcohol content Minnesota will be the last one.

Although Utah produces beer over 3.2 ABW, high alcohol content beer can only be manufactured and sold in liquor stores with special license.

Grocery and convenience stores can only sell 3.2 ABW beer.

The original bill proposed by Senator Jerry Stevenson asked for a raise of 4.8 but a 4 percent compromise was reached.

Retailers, distributors, beer manufacturers, trade associations and even Walmart welcomed 4 percent.

The new version of the bill also includes a working group to study whether the state should go with 4.8 percent beer.

The bill has passed in the senate and house but needs a signature from Governor Gary Herbert.

If approved will go into effect November 1

This would also raise the excise tax on a barrel by 30 cents, consumers would not necessarily have to pay more.

All beer with higher than 5 percent ABW would continue to sell at liquor stores and 3.3 percent beer would still be available for consumers who enjoy low alcohol beer.

Certain groups expressed concern that stronger beers in stores would lead to increased consumption, drunk driving, and underage drinking.

Utah’s maximum blood alcohol level for drivers is 0.05 percent compared to the current legal threshold of 0.08 percent, strictest in the nation.

Whether be it beer alcohol content or other lifestyle codes Utah’s laws have always been different.

Despite all that Utah’s Breweries feature some of the best craft beers in the nation.

To find out more about Utah’ best craft beer & breweries click here Breweries tours & tastings

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