A bill to put higher-alcohol beer in Utah grocery and convenience stores was approved by the Senate on Monday — despite worries about the loss of liquor revenue to the state and the potential that the measure is just one step away from allowing wine in retail outlets.
SB132, which would hike the alcohol limit on retail beer form its current 3.2 percent by weight to 4.8 percent, passed 20-8 on a second reading. After a third reading in the Senate, which will likely come Tuesday, it will go to the House for consideration.
If approved, Utah’s alcohol limit for grocery stores would still rank among the nation’s strictest, said the bill sponsor Sen.