Utah Abolishes Private Clubs

The state of Utah finally updated liquor laws which required Utah bars and social clubs to charge a membership fee to guests prior to entrance.  As of Wednesday, July 1^st, 2009 the “Private Club Law” is off the books.  Visitors and locals will now be able to frequent their favorite establishments as well as less familiar ones without shelling out for the temporary membership card.

According to Michael LeClerc, chef for 350 Main Brasserie and The Spur Bar & Grill, it wasn’t uncommon in the past for visitors to walk out of The Spur when they learned they needed to pay for a membership to get into the private club. “I don’t think people understood how uncomfortable it made everyone from the staff (who had to ask about membership) to patrons, who worried about how much more things were going to cost,” LeClerc said.

Although the new law does away with the “Private Club” membership requirements, bar owners are required to purchase special equipment to scan the driver license of any patron who appears to be under 35. The recorded information will be retained on site for seven days.

Tagged as: Bars, Michael LeClerc, Park City Utah, Private Clubs, Utah Liquor Laws