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State lawmakers may be one step closer to getting rid of the private club law.
It appears The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints supports an alternative liquor law that some believe could men the end of private clubs in Utah.
Lawmakers met with church representatives in a traditional pre-session lunch meeting yesterday. Senate President Michael Waddoups says the Church expressed an interest in an idea for bars to electronically scan driver's licenses.
"The Church indicated an interest that that may be a good way to lessen the number of underage drinkers and also that the minors are not exposed to drinking underage," he said.
"They encouraged us to continue to explore it to find out what potential is there," he added.
But Waddoups and a church spokesman both say the church did not talk specifically about private clubs or specific legislation.
LDS Church spokesman Scott Trotter said in a statement to the Deseret News, "As has been the practice for many years, the Church met with Republican legislative leadership in an annual luncheon as one of its many constituents. A luncheon with Democratic leadership was held earlier this month.
"The issue of alcohol regulation was briefly discussed. However, private clubs were not. The Church took no position on any legislation but expressed its long-standing concerns about limiting over-consumption, reducing impaired driving, and eliminating underage drinking."
E-mail: mrichards@ksl.com
