Utah moving closer to shedding low-alcohol limits on beer

Utah is moving closer to shedding low alcohol limits for beer in grocery stores, despite opposition from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a number of local brewers.

The state Senate easily passed a measure on Tuesday that would bring it in line with most other states in doing away with low-alcohol beers. It now goes to the House, where it’s expected to face more opposition.

The proposal would increase the alcohol limit from 3.2 percent to 4.8 percent by weight, which allows most production-line beers.

A number of other states have shed similar limitations recently, spurring some large brewers to stop making lower-alcohol products for a diminished market.

Republican sponsor Sen. Jerry Stevenson says the measure will allow stores to keep their shelves stocked.

Local brewers, though, say the narrow increase leaves them at a disadvantage.