Utah’s Last DABS Meeting of 2025 Brings New Bar and Restaurant Approvals

Utah’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services held its final commission meeting of 2025 on December 18, approving a new round of liquor licenses while also hearing public comments from local business owners.

Alongside administrative updates and license actions, the meeting concluded with a public question period. During this time, John Kenworthy, owner of Flanagan’s on Main, addressed commissioners about Utah’s ID verification rules. He noted that his business often has to turn away customers who present digital IDs from other states, including Colorado and Louisiana where mobile identification is legally recognized. Because Utah does not currently accept out-of-state digital IDs, bars are required to refuse service, an issue that continues to impact tourism-driven areas

New bar licenses approved

As part of the final meeting of the year, the commission approved five new bar establishment licenses, all issued conditionally:

• Sushi by Bou — Salt Lake City
• Remora — Salt Lake City
• Hobbled Dog Cidery — Logan
• Hide & Seek — Salt Lake City
• The Parlor — Park City

Restaurant full-service liquor licenses

The following businesses were approved for full-service restaurant liquor licenses, allowing beer, wine, and spirits:

• Sacred Energy Coffee — Murray
• Life Time Fitness – South Jordan — South Jordan
• Macaroni Grill — South Jordan
• ChefDance Social — Park City
• Mint Indian Bistro — St. George
• Puerto Vallarta Mexican Grill & Cantina — Midvale

Restaurant limited-service licenses

These restaurants received approval for limited-service licenses, permitting beer and wine service:

• The Break Cafe — South Jordan
• Argentinas Cafe — Salt Lake City
• Beaver Mountain Cafe 39 — Logan
• Lighthouse Seafood & Grill — Cedar City
• Sushi Up Restaurant — Orem
• Marcato Kitchen — Salt Lake City

With the last DABS meeting of 2025 now complete, the newly approved licenses along with concerns raised during public comment — highlight both continued growth in Utah’s hospitality scene and the regulatory challenges businesses face heading into 2026.