Utah Special Event Liquor Permit: Cost, Rules & How to Apply
Quick answer
In Utah, alcohol at a one-off public or fundraising event is covered by the Single Event Permit, open to bona fide corporations, partnerships, LLCs, incorporated associations, churches and political organizations in existence for at least one year. It costs $125 and should be filed at least 30 days before the event.
General information from the state's published rules, not legal advice. Confirm with the agency before your event.
Permit at a glance
- Permit name
- Single Event Permit
- Official source
- abs.utah.gov State agency (abs.utah.gov)
- Fee
- $125
- Apply at least
- 30 days before
- Nonprofits only
- No
- Last verified
- Mar 7, 2026
Who it covers
Who can apply in Utah.
Who can apply: Bona fide corporations, partnerships, LLCs, incorporated associations, churches and political organizations in existence for at least one year
Needed to sell liquor (spirits, wine, flavored malt beverages, heavy beer) via a cash bar, a hosted bar included in admission, or at an event open to the public. Beer-only events can use a Temporary Beer Event Permit instead.
- Private events
- No DABS or local permit is needed for a private event where guests are not charged for alcohol or admission and the event is not open to the public.
| Other permit types | Who | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary Beer Event Permit | Anyone | $100 |
How to apply
2 steps, in order.
- Get local consent and any required permits from the local jurisdiction where the event is held.
- Submit a complete application to DABS at least 30 days before the event (applications received fewer than seven business days before the event are not considered).
Neighbors
How Utah compares.
| State | Fee | Lead time | Nonprofit only |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah | $125 | 30 days | No |
| Arizona | $25 per day | 10 days | Yes |
| Colorado | State fee: $10 per day for a malt beverage permit, $25 per day for a malt, vinous and spirituous liquor permit; plus a local investigation/issuance fee of up to $100 | — | No |
Nationally
Where Utah ranks.
For one one-day event under the main permit, Utah's state fee comes to $125. Of the 26 states where that figure can be read straight from the fee rule, 24 charge less and 1 charges more. States whose fee depends on the type of organization, drink or city are left out of this comparison.
Utah asks for 30 days of notice. Of the 24 states that publish a deadline, 1 requires more notice and 19 require less (business days counted as calendar weeks).
Across the border
What changes next door.
Also needed in Utah
Training and liability.
Server training
Mandatory in Utah. Applies to: managers, servers/sellers (Both establishments; Both licensees). APIS data as of 1/1/2025. APIS minimum ages (on-premises): serve beer/wine/spirits 21/21/21, bartend 21/21/21.
Liability
Utah Code § 32B-15-201 A commercial provider is liable to third persons if it served someone under 21, someone apparently intoxicated, someone it knew or should have known was intoxicated, or a known interdicted person. Awards are capped at $1,000,000 per person and $2,000,000 per occurrence. Classification: limited ($1,000,000 per person / $2,000,000 per occurrence cap).
FAQ
Questions people ask.
How much is a special event liquor permit in Utah?
Single Event Permit: $125. Other types: Temporary Beer Event Permit — $100.
How far in advance do I apply in Utah?
At least 30 days before the event, according to abs.utah.gov. Apply earlier if local approvals are needed.
Next steps
Related.
Sources
- Utah — Single Event Permit · State agency (abs.utah.gov), checked Mar 7, 2026
- Utah — server training · Federal summary (NIAAA APIS), checked Jul 29, 2026
- Utah — Utah Code § 32B-15-201 · State statute — Utah Code §§ 32B-15-201, 32B-15-301, checked Mar 11, 2026
General information, not legal advice.