Under the new law, the maximum amount of liquor and flavoring allowed in a drink is cut to 2.5 ounces, making fruity drinks like a Mai Tai and Long Island Ice Tea even more difficult to properly serve.

Huntsman touted the new law as a step toward "normalizing" the state's liquor laws, but even Guinney acknowledges that isn't the top complaint for tourists. The No. 1 complaint is the state's requirement for a paid membership to enter a bar that serves liquor, Guinney said.

"That's what makes us different. Keep in mind, with a cover charge you get something. You get a DJ, live music, you get a dance floor. Here, you have to pay admission to spend your money," he said.

Tourists and locals alike have complained for years that adults shouldn't need what's often referred to as a permission slip to enter a bar even if it's just to order a hamburger.

"It's kind of absurd," said Anderson, the Los Angeles visitor. "If you want to charge me a cover, charge me a cover. But don't make me fill out a form for every bar we go to. Honestly, it's rude."