Via Veneto Pizzarium Secured Alcohol License Variance

The Salt Lake City eatery received rare permission to serve alcohol near Liberty Park.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Italian Food

Bold vector editorial illustration of a wine glass and a slice of pizza on a table, representing new alcohol service in an urban restaurant. — Via Veneto Pizzarium in Salt Lake City has secured a rare liquor license variance, enabling the restaurant to serve beer and wine near Liberty Park. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should local restaurants be permitted to serve alcohol if they are located near public parks?

Via Veneto Pizzarium has obtained a liquor license variance, allowing the establishment to serve beer and wine despite its location near Liberty Park. This approval marks the first time in nearly a decade that the specific restriction has been waived for a local business.

Why it matters

State law typically prohibits liquor licenses within 300 feet of community locations like parks, creating a hurdle for restaurants situated in dense urban zones. This exemption allows the pizzeria to broaden its service model and offer traditional Italian beverage options.

Located at 511 E. 900 South, the restaurant serves pizza al taglio. It obtained an exemption from the state's 300-foot pedestrian and 200-foot straight-line distance restrictions for liquor licenses.

The players

Via Veneto Pizzarium

This Salt Lake City restaurant serves authentic pizza al taglio to the local community.

Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services

This state agency oversees the regulation and licensing of alcohol sales across Utah.

The details

The restaurant, which specializes in pizza al taglio, sought the exemption to legally serve beer, Italian wine, and spritzes to patrons. It secured special permission from both Salt Lake City authorities and the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services.

The license approval was announced on October 6, 2026.
The restaurant hosts an aperitivo hour daily from 5 to 6 p.m.

Culture Shift

This development reflects a shift in how Salt Lake City balances historical community zoning laws with the evolving needs of modern urban dining. It marks a departure from the strict enforcement of Utah liquor license proximity restrictions near parks.

Patrons can now visit the pizzeria during the newly established daily aperitivo hour to enjoy Italian beer and wine. The change offers residents more options for social dining near Liberty Park without needing to travel outside the immediate neighborhood.

The takeaway

The successful application illustrates that even long-standing zoning regulations can be reviewed through proper municipal channels. Diners can now take advantage of the new beverage menu options during the early evening hours.