Utah is recognized for its stunning mountains, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mitt Romney, and its famously absurd alcohol laws. While the “Zion Curtain” has been widely criticized as one of the most nonsensical alcohol regulations in the country, it seems that Utah has no shortage of bizarre liquor laws. Recently, state regulators have taken a strict stance on bartenders using a “straw test” to sample cocktails before serving them.
The straw test is a common practice among bartenders to ensure the quality of their drinks before serving them to customers. By dipping a straw into the drink, covering one end, and tasting the liquid trapped inside, bartenders can quickly assess the taste and adjust if needed. This method is not only efficient but also hygienic, making it a valuable tool for maintaining drink quality.
In Utah, however, liquor regulators have taken issue with this long-standing practice. Bar owners have reported increased warnings from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services (DABS) against using the straw test, despite it being a common industry standard for years.
According to DABS, the ban on straw tests has been in place for decades, buried within a section of the state code. While the agency claims to be improving communication on alcohol rules, bar owners face serious consequences for violating the ban, including hefty fines and liquor license suspensions.
Utah’s enforcement of the straw test ban stands out even among states with similar regulations. While the rationale behind the ban is to prevent bartenders from becoming intoxicated on the job, the actual risk of getting drunk from a straw test is virtually nonexistent. In fact, experiments have shown that it would take an excessive number of straw tests to consume a significant amount of alcohol.
The ban on straw tests in Utah is nonsensical and should be reconsidered. It not only hinders bartenders’ ability to craft quality drinks but also reflects a stubborn adherence to outdated regulations. Other states, like Oklahoma, have recognized the need to repeal such restrictions to support the hospitality industry.
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