Utah’s hospitality industry is thriving. From bustling restaurants in downtown Salt Lake City to high-end lodges in Park City and cozy cafés across the Wasatch Front, opportunities for work in food and beverage are growing. But whether you’re hoping to serve cocktails at a ski resort or help run a local food truck, there are a couple of essential certifications you need before you can legally step behind the counter: the Utah alcohol server permit and the Utah food handlers permit.
These certifications are more than formalities; they’re mandatory under state law and play a key role in ensuring safe, compliant service. If you’re new to the industry or relocating to Utah, here’s what you need to know.
Why These Certifications Are Required
Utah’s Department of Health and Department of Human Services (DSAMH) set clear standards for individuals working in environments where food or alcohol is served. This is to protect public health, promote responsible alcohol use, and ensure workers are properly trained in both safety and legal compliance.
Failing to obtain these certifications can lead to fines for employers and disqualification from service for individuals. But beyond legality, these credentials also help hospitality workers establish themselves as trained, trustworthy professionals in a competitive job market.
Understanding the Utah Alcohol Server Permit
If your role includes selling, serving, mixing, or even supervising the sale of alcohol in Utah, you’re required to hold a valid Utah alcohol server permit. The permit is obtained by completing an approved training program through the state’s Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health.
Training typically includes:
- How to identify and respond to signs of intoxication
- Proper ID verification and age laws
- Understanding liability and legal consequences
- How to refuse service appropriately
To fulfill this requirement, many choose to complete a state-approved Utah alcohol server permit course online for convenience and efficiency.
What You Should Know About the Utah Food Handlers Permit
Anyone handling or preparing food in Utah is required to obtain a Utah food handlers permit. This includes not only chefs and cooks, but also hosts, bussers, and servers—basically anyone who will come into contact with unpackaged food or utensils used by the public.
The food handlers permit must be obtained within 14 days of starting employment, and certification is typically valid for three years.
The training includes:
- Basic food safety principles
- Personal hygiene practices
- Cleaning and sanitizing procedures
- Avoiding cross-contamination
- Safe cooking and food storage temperatures
If you’re working in both food and alcohol service—common in restaurants and bars—you can get both your Utah food handlers permit and alcohol certification through a single training provider to streamline the process.
Where to Get Certified
BeverageTraining.com offers Utah-approved online training for both alcohol server and food handler certifications. The platform is fully online, self-paced, and designed for working professionals, making it an ideal choice for anyone starting or continuing a career in Utah’s hospitality sector.
Make Certification Part of Your Career Plan
Whether you’re new to food service or an experienced bartender, being certified isn’t just about compliance, it’s about professionalism. Employers are more likely to hire and promote workers who are proactive about meeting requirements and taking safety seriously.
Having both your Utah alcohol server permit and Utah food handlers permit on hand shows you’re not just job-ready, but also a responsible and reliable member of the team.
Final Thoughts
Utah’s hospitality industry offers rewarding opportunities—but only if you’re properly certified. Take steps now to meet state training requirements and improve your career outlook. Completing your training through a trusted, state-approved provider will help you serve confidently, safely, and legally across Utah’s food and beverage sector.
