No, absinthe remains illegal in Utah under the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services (DABS) regulations, which classify it as a distilled spirit containing thujone exceeding 10 ppm. Recent 2026 compliance updates reinforced this stance, aligning with the state’s strict prohibition on high-proof spirits unless licensed for medical or sacramental use.
Key Regulations for Absinthe in Utah
- Thujone Limit: DABS enforces a 10 ppm cap on thujone, effectively banning traditional absinthe formulations.
- Licensing Exceptions: Only absinthe with <10 ppm thujone may be sold, and only by state-licensed liquor stores or bars.
- Import Restrictions: Out-of-state absinthe shipments are prohibited unless pre-approved by DABS, which rarely grants exceptions.
Utah’s liquor laws derive from the 1933 state control system, where DABS holds near-monopoly over spirit sales. The 2026 regulatory review did not amend absinthe’s status, leaving Utah as one of the few states with an outright ban. Violations may result in fines, license revocation, or criminal charges under Utah Code § 32B-4-403.