Utah’s New “100% ID” Alcohol Law Is Effective January 1, 2026. Here’s What Venues Need to Know

Starting January 1, 2026, Utah’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services (DABS) is implementing a new “100% ID” requirement: every customer purchasing alcohol must present acceptable ID, regardless of age or appearance. 

This is a major operational shift for bars, restaurants, taverns, and other licensed alcohol sellers, especially for teams used to making judgment calls based on looks. No matter the age or how they look, every ID now needs to be scanned. 

Below is what the law changes, what it means for day-to-day operations, and how Patronscan helps venues stay ready across jurisdictions without relying on cheap, off-the-shelf scanners. 

What’s changing on January 1, 2026? 

1) ID must be checked for every alcohol purchase 

Utah’s new H.B. 437 Interdicted Person Amendments requires 100% ID checks for customers purchasing alcohol. 

2) Some businesses must electronically scan IDs (and others may not) 

DABS specifically notes there’s a key distinction between checking ID vs electronically scanning it, and that the requirements vary by license type. DABS also clarifies that ID checks/scanning apply to customers ordering alcoholic beverages or entering a bar or tavern. 

3) Watch for Utah’s new “NO ALCOHOL SALE” IDs (interdicted persons) 

Utah is introducing IDs for individuals deemed “interdicted” by the courts. These IDs include “NO ALCOHOL SALE” printed above the individual’s photo for a quick visual check. DABS also instructs businesses to look for this “No Alcohol Sale” language on Utah-issued IDs. 

4) Existing scanners can still be used 

If you already use ID scanners for age verification, such as Patronscan, DABS says you can continue using them but keep up-to-date with any potential legislative updates in 2026. 

ID Check Requirements Table from https://abs.utah.gov/new-id-law-2026/  

Why this matters: compliance risk can mean fines, suspensions, or license action 

Utah liquor enforcement can involve both criminal referrals and administrative action on a license. Outcomes can include fines, suspension, or revocation, and other disciplinary actions. 

What venues should do now 

1. Update your ID-check SOP: “100% ID, no exceptions” for alcohol purchases and entry, where applicable. 
   
   
2. Train staff to look for “NO ALCOHOL SALE” on Utah IDs and understand what it means. 
   
   
3. Confirm whether your license type requires electronic scanning and where (door vs point-of-sale).  
   
   
4. Document your process. Who checks, when, and how issues are handled. 
   
   
5. Choose tools that are built for real-world operations. Speed, reliability, auditability, and support matter when the line is long and the stakes are high. 

How Patronscan helps Utah venues and multi-state operators stay ready 

More than a “fake ID scanner” 

Off-the-shelf scanners can read a barcode, and that’s it. That’s not the same as Patronscan, which performs UV and IR Light checks, helping your team run safer, faster, and consistent operations. 

Patronscan is built for venues that need: 

• Fast, consistent ID workflows (especially under 100% ID rules) 

• Clear, repeatable policies for staff 

• Tools that support door and operations teams, not just “scan and pray” 

Built for compliance across jurisdictions 

Utah is one example of how quickly requirements can change. Patronscan is used by venues operating across different cities, states, and provinces, where laws, enforcement, and expectations can vary. 

Instead of duct-taping together a cheap device and a manual process, Patronscan helps teams standardize how they check IDs and communicate policies across locations. 

Premium product + 24/7 support 

When your entry line is backed up at 10:30 pm on a Saturday, “email us Monday” isn’t good enough. And if your device happens to go down, it’s not an excuse to law enforcement to bypass compliance. A premium platform is about reliability and support, so your team is not stuck troubleshooting in panic. 

In Conclusion 

Utah’s new law makes ID verification more consistent, and raises the importance of having a process your staff can follow every time. 

If you operate in Utah (or manage multiple jurisdictions), now is the time to tighten your SOPs, train staff on “NO ALCOHOL SALE” IDs, and ensure your tools can keep up with both compliance and throughput. 

Want to see how Patronscan supports 100% ID workflows? 
Book a demo to see the Handheld in action and learn how teams standardize compliance across locations: https://www.patronscan.com/request-a-demo