Starting Wednesday, there will be two types of clubs. A dining club, such as Squatters Brew Pub, pictured, will be more like a restaurant, while a social club, such as Lumpy's, will be the equivalent of an open public bar. (Tribune file photo)

Squatters Pub Brewery, 147 W. 300 South in Salt Lake City, is relinquishing its tavern and restaurant licenses after 20 years to operate solely as a dining club, along with 46 other eateries. Here's what this means:

 

What changes will I see at Squatters and other dining clubs beginning Wednesday? » It will be easier to get a drink while waiting for a table. Squatters pub area, which in the past could serve only 3.2 beer, can now serve liquor, wine and heavy beers.

 

Are bartenders still required to pass wine and cocktails to a server, then to the customer? » No. Dining clubs can serve all beverages over the bar, straight into the customer's hand, ending a practice that befuddled out-of-state visitors for years.

 

Must dining clubs hide alcohol behind a wall or screen, similar to what new restaurants are required to do? » No.

 

Will I be able to get a Bloody Mary at brunch? » Yes. Liquor, beer and wine will be available for guests when Squatters opens at 10:30 a.m. on weekends and 11 a.m. during the week. No more sipping coffee until noon.

 

Will dining clubs be hiring bouncers to check IDs? » There won't be bouncers, but eateries are required to check and verify the age of any guest purchasing an alcoholic beverage who appears to be less than 35 years of age. IDs are checked when you step up to the bar

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or at the table when you order alcohol.

 

I've been hearing about Age Verification Devices. What are they and what information do they read? » It's a portable device that allows clubs to scan customer driver licenses if they look younger than 35. Some devices also can record IDs of people already in the bar so no one can pass those IDs around.

 

Will Squatters be offering a happy hour discount on drinks? » That's still against the law in Utah.

 

If I want to pop in for a glass of wine, say before or after seeing a show, will I be required to purchase food? » No. Guests may now consume alcoholic beverages, if they are over the legal age of 21, without the purchase of food or membership requirements.

 

Will minors still be allowed in dining clubs? » Yes. This license allows minors, when accompanied by an adult. But there are a few restrictions at Squatters. Minors cannot sit at the bar and food fights will be discouraged.

-- Dawn House