They would have until Oct. 1 to continue buying flavored malt beverages in grocery and convenience stores before those beverages become available only at state liquor stores.

On the other hand, they would be able to get stiffer drinks in clubs and restaurants after May 5 if Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. signs SB211, approved in the waning days of the session.

The bill calls for beverages such as Smirnoff Ice to be restricted to state outlets and taxed at a higher rate - an 86 percent markup. The alcohol content of the beverages is 3.2 percent, the same as beer sold in supermarkets. But bill proponents said restricting sales could help curtail underage drinking because minors like the taste of the fruity, sweet beverages.

The measure would also eliminate sidecars, or separate shots of alcohol, in mixed drinks. The legislation would allow martinis and other single-liquor drinks to have a total alcohol content of 1.5 ounces - up from 1 ounce. Drinks with added liquors could have a total alcohol content of 2.5 ounces - down from 2.75 ounces.

Also starting May 5, the state would boost the number of limited-service licenses to allow more restaurants to serve beer and wine. As of today, there are only five licenses available, while generally at least five restaurants apply for the permits each month.

Rather than increase the number of establishments serving alcohol, the legislation would simply rearrange quotas by reducing the number of private clubs and taverns.

Limited-service licenses would jump from one per 11,000 population to one per 9,300, while private-club permits would shrink from one per 7,300 to one per 7,850. Tavern licenses would drop from one per 25,000 to one per 30,500.

The governor, who was involved in the liquor negotiations, is expected to sign the bill.

- Dawn House