Salt Lake City Liquor License Cost
Local permits, city fees, and what to expect beyond the Utah state license
Licensing costs in Salt Lake City
Utah requires 'local consent' — a formal approval from Salt Lake City's Planning Division before the DABC will consider any new license. The local consent process involves a public hearing and typically costs $500-$1,500 in planning fees. Utah's DABC operates a strict quota system: only 1 full-service restaurant license per 4,500 residents, and bar licenses are even more restricted.
Licensing timeline in Salt Lake City
Utah is the most restrictive licensing state. Salt Lake City's full-service restaurant licenses are routinely placed on waiting lists — 12-18 months is common. Bar licenses require membership-club status or a legislative exemption. The DABC board meets monthly and processes limited applications per cycle.
What buyers often miss in Salt Lake City
Utah's quota system is strict but assignment-based. Existing full-service restaurant licenses can be assigned via sale at $25,000-$75,000 — still far below Florida or New Jersey because food-focused licenses are less commercially valuable than bar licenses.
Zoning considerations for Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City requires a 600-foot buffer from any public school and 200 feet from churches for alcohol-serving establishments. Zoning approval and local consent must be secured before submitting to DABC — getting DABC approval first does not guarantee city approval.
FAQ — Salt Lake City Liquor Licensing
How long does it take to get a liquor license in Salt Lake City?
Expect 270 days in Salt Lake City — 30 days longer than the state average. Utah is the most restrictive licensing state. Salt Lake City's full-service restaurant licenses are routinely placed on waiting lists — 12-18 months is common. Bar licenses require membership-club status or a legislative exemption. The DABC board meets monthly and processes limited applications per cycle.
Does Salt Lake City require a separate city liquor license?
Yes. Salt Lake City requires a Salt Lake City Business License + Local Consent in addition to the Utah state license. Utah requires 'local consent' — a formal approval from Salt Lake City's Planning Division before the DABC will consider any new license. The local consent process involves a public hearing and typically costs $500-$1,500 in planning fees. Utah's DABC operates a strict quota system: only 1 full-service restaurant license per 4,500 residents, and bar licenses are even more restricted.
What zoning do I need for a bar or restaurant in Salt Lake City?
Salt Lake City requires a 600-foot buffer from any public school and 200 feet from churches for alcohol-serving establishments. Zoning approval and local consent must be secured before submitting to DABC — getting DABC approval first does not guarantee city approval.
Local licensing resources for Salt Lake City
Utah State License — Full Details
City requirements are only part of the picture. See all license types, fees, and state-level requirements for Utah.
Utah liquor license guide →