Zero Bar License Applicants Create an Unexpected Quiet at October Meeting
For the first time in recent memory, a monthly meeting passed without a single new bar license application crossing the desk. In a new column published on Gastronomic SLC, Stuart outlined the striking turn of events at the October hearing. The sudden drop-off stands in sharp contrast to the fierce competition of prior years, when applicants frequently packed the room only to leave empty-handed.
The empty applicant queue arrives while state quotas sit at forty-seven available bar licenses, a number scheduled to grow further in the summer of 2027. Recent legislative changes have untethered applicants from the strict requirement to open their doors immediately, granting newly minted license holders eighteen months or more (with approval) to begin operations.
Restaurant Licenses Still Move Forward Across Utah
While bar applicants stayed away, several limited-service and full-service restaurants secured permits at the October session.
- Idle Isle Cafe, Brigham City (Limited-service)
- Asado Argentinian Grill and Cafe, Orem (Limited-service)
- Greek Streak Taverna, Midvale (Limited-service)
- Hug-Hes American Kitchen, Lehi (Limited-service)
- Spitz, Orem (Limited-service)
- Quesabirrias, Heber City (Full-service)
- Awadh Aroma of India, Pleasant View (Full-service)
- Full Stop Diner & Pub, Ogden (Full-service)
- The Dam Bar, Heber City (Full-service)
- Tierra Amor Cafe, Salt Lake City (Full-service)
- Jeremiah’s Restaurant, Marriott-Slaterville (Full-service)
- Wing Nutz, St George (Full-service)
- Courtyard by Marriott, St George (Full-service)
- Marmalade Brunch House, Salt Lake City (Full-service)
- Snowed Inn Sleigh Company, Park City (Winter seasonal)
- Silverside Deli, Salt Lake City (Full-service)
In addition to standard dining permits, Wolfdog Brewing in Sandy secured a manufacturing license, and Nuevo Machetes in Taylorsville picked up a beer-only restaurant license.
Utah Plans Online Liquor Ordering for 2027
Beyond licensing tallies, the meeting offered a brief update on state plans to introduce online ordering for Utah liquor stores. According to the reporting, development on the digital purchasing infrastructure is moving forward, with a phased early rollout targeted for sometime in 2027. Customers will still be required to collect purchases in person, as home delivery remains off the table for now.
