Revelers may face obstacle this year

New Year's Eve revelers looking for a place to raise some holiday spirits — the kind that come in a bottle or glass, that is — should probably do their homework before heading out.

Liquor sales, which are governed by state law, will remain unchanged Sunday. State liquor stores, as always, will be closed. Restaurants and airport bars will be able to serve liquor until midnight, while private clubs will be able to go until 1 a.m.

But with a patchwork system of local laws governing Sunday beer sales throughout the Wasatch Front, poor planning could bring an end to any party before it begins, depending on which city you are in for your celebrating.

Partygoers in Salt Lake and Summit counties shouldn't run into any problems as cities in those areas do not restrict Sunday beer sales.

Park City, the skiing hot spot, gets an influx of visitors for the holiday season. The city has a popular night scene, and bars and clubs are expected to be hopping on New Year's Eve.

"It's a busy tourist time, as far as the Christmas vacation," said Myles Rademan, Park City spokesman. "We don't have ordinances restricting alcohol sales. So, if you want to celebrate New Year's Eve, come to Park City."

The same is true elsewhere. Many cities take a hands-off approach to New Year's Eve parties. West Valley spokesman Aaron Crim said it will be "business as usual" at the city's bars, taverns and private clubs Sunday.

"From the city's standpoint, it's no different than any other year," he said.

Like any other holiday, it's up to individual businesses whether to close their doors, Crim said. The story is the same along Salt Lake County's west side, where many clubs will not only be open but also will host New Year's Eve parties.

Outside of Salt Lake County, however, the picture becomes less clear.

Most Davis County cities allow Sunday beer sales after noon, though some cities have cracked down on other aspects of New Year's celebrations.

In West Bountiful, you won't be able to dance to a live band on New Year's Eve at an establishment that sells alcohol. Saturday is the only day you can dance to live bands at such establishments. The rest of the week, though, you can dance to recorded music.

Utah County, however, is a different story. With each city left to its own means, a variety of laws will be in place on New Year's Eve, if you decide to forgo a bar scene and want to buy beer for a party at a private residence.