Utah's liquor laws are more streamlined now, but don't get too cocky this New Year's Eve. There are still some statutes that could trip you up.

First, plan ahead if you want to purchase heavy beer, wine or spirits. Saturday is the final day before the holiday that consumers may buy liquor at one of Utah's 37 state-run liquor stores.

Generally, the larger the store, the longer the hours. For instance, the state's largest selling liquor outlet, at 1863 E. 7000 South in Cottonwood Heights, is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Hours at the smallest selling store, at 43 S. 100 West in Brigham City, are from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

At the state's 100 smaller package agencies, located in outlying areas and some hotels or resorts, hours vary even more.

To check hours at either liquor stores or package agencies, go to the blue-tipped state government listing in the phone book and look under the heading, Alcoholic Beverage Control Department, or visit www.alcbev.state.ut.us.

For the Sunday celebration, rules are the same as any night, said liquor compliance officer Keith Zuspan.

All liquor sales in restaurants must end at midnight. For eateries such as pizzerias that sell beer, sales end at 1 a.m. But at taverns and private clubs, patrons may buy one last drink after 1 a.m., and they'll have an hour to finish it off.

Take heart if this sounds somewhat confusing.

About two decades ago, consumers wanting, say, a vodka on the rocks in a restaurant were required to buy a mini bottle stacked near the cash register, return to their table and pour the liquor into a glass themselves. Waiters could bring the ice and a glass, but they couldn't touch the bottle.

"It's still a bit silly that we have to have such a detailed guidebook with regard to the consumption of what is a legal product," said attorney Brian Barnard, who successfully sued the state to allow taverns and restaurants to advertise their liquor offerings. "We're making progress but it's been an uphill battle."

dawn@sltrib.com