BUSINESS + ECONOMY

Stronger beer arrives in Utah at the stroke of midnight

Oct 31, 2019, 2:20 PM

stronger beer...

Liberty Heights Fresh in Salt Lake City, along with many other supermarkets, are selling "old" beer at a markdown in anticipation of the switch to stronger products. PHOTO: John Wojcik, KSL NewsRadio

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Today may be Halloween, but tomorrow is an entirely different holiday for beer lovers in the Beehive State. Grocery and convenience stores around the state are prepping their shelves for the arrival of stronger beer, thanks to a law change.

No pumpkins here – just stronger beer

New rules passed by the legislature allow supermarkets and grocers to sell and stock stronger beer, up to 5% alcohol by volume. Essentially, the change eliminates the need for Utah’s old 3.2% alcohol by weight products.

On the eve of this unofficial hoppy holiday, store owners spent the day trying to liquidate their “old” products.

“We’re trying to close out what we have,” said Steven Rosenberg, owner of Liberty Heights Fresh in Salt Lake City.

His store receives its weekly beer shipment tomorrow, which will feature some new brews.

“Yeah, we’ll put it out tomorrow,” he said.

Easing the transition

Compared to other local stores, Rosenberg says he considers his to be somewhat well-stocked. He says with limited space, Liberty Heights Fresh can’t afford to keep its shelves empty for an extended amount of time.

All stores got a week to receive and store the stronger beer, to help ease the transition tomorrow.

Rosenberg supports the move; he thinks his costumers will enjoy the wider selection of local beer. He believes it’s a good first move, with hopefully more to come.

“You know in Utah we take baby steps. This is a great baby step,” he said. “I’m very grateful to the legislature for allowing this change.”

What happens next

According to him, limiting the stores in terms of what alcohol they can sell forces shop owners to miss opportunities. He says many spirits pair well with the food they sell.

“It would be really nice if all beer, wine, and cider could be sold on supermarket shelves with a deep respect for consumption with moderation,” says Rosenberg.

While retail beer is now capped at 5% alcohol by volume, there will still be beer under that mark available for purchase on supermarket shelves.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

Business + Economy

EVERETT WALMART, EVERETT, WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES - 2023/04/19: An empty cart is seen near an emp...

Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN

The real reasons stores such as Walmart and Starbucks are closing in big cities

Several forces are pushing Walmart and Starbucks out of some city centers: a glut of stores, people working from home, online shopping, exorbitant rents, crime and public safety concerns, and difficulty hiring workers.

11 months ago

graduates are pictured, the us is offering some student loan debt forgiveness...

Associated Press

The US has approved $42 billion in loan forgiveness for public service workers. Here’s what to know

The program is separate from U.S. Supreme Court is currently considering whether that plan can go ahead.

11 months ago

people at restaurant eating on mother's day pictured...

Alexandra Peers, CNN

Why Mother’s Day is the most hated day in the restaurant industry

The National Retail Federation forecasts that Mother's Day spending will reach $35.7 billion this year, with a record $5.6 billion spent on a meal or outing.

11 months ago

debt...

Curt Gresseth

Ticktock: US steps closer to debt default

Robert Spendlove, senior vice president and economic and public policy officer at Zions Bank, joins the show to discuss what would happen if the federal government defaults on its debt.

11 months ago

close up of a peleton bike pictured, a recall has been issued for some...

Associated Press

Peloton recalling more than 2M exercise bikes because the seat post assembly can break during use

The recall includes approximately 2.2 million of the Peloton Bikes Model PL01. The bikes were sold from January 2018 through May 2023 for about $1,400.

11 months ago

U.S. President Joe Biden speaks during the Democratic National Committee winter meeting on February...

Arlette Saenz, CNN

Biden takes debt ceiling pitch on road amid standoff with Republicans

The president said he believes the country can avoid default because an "overwhelming number of members of ... Congress know it would be a disaster."

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Stronger beer arrives in Utah at the stroke of midnight