Utah lawmakers have amended state law to ban grocery stores from selling wine coolers and flavored malt beverages -- also known as "alcopops" -- and restrict sales of these products to state liquor stores, the Associated Press reported March 5.

"I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that these alcopops are directed to our kids. It is a gateway drug," said Rep. Mike Noel. The state's powerful Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints also expressed support for restricting alcopop sales.

The bill also raises the amount of alcohol in standard mixed drinks sold in the state from 1 ounce to 1.5 ounces but also banned so-called "sidecars" -- extra shots of liquor that bar patrons could pour into their mixed drink. Drinkers may order a shot and a drink, but the shot can't be of the same liquor as contained in the drink.