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SALT LAKE CITY — A bill that would allow more Utah restaurants to serve alcohol cleared a Senate committee Wednesday.
- 40 new restaurant permits
- 25 limited-service permits for beer and wine
- 15 full-service permits
SB314 would adjust the state's liquor license quota system to allow for 40 new restaurant permits — 25 limited-service for beer and wine only and 15 full-service. Bill sponsor Sen. John Valentine, R-Orem, said the changes aren't designed to encourage drinking. Rather, they are to ensure liquor is consumed with food which he said reduces intake.
The Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control issues liquor licenses based on population. With census data showing slower growth than estimated, the state currently exceeds the number allowed by law. The bill would preserve the current number while adding the new permits. It would also correspondingly step up enforcement.
Melva Sine, Utah Restaurant Association president, said she has concerns about the quota system. Utah, she said, has the 11th fastest growing restaurant industry in the nation and 40 licenses will go very quickly.
The Senate Business and Labor Committee spent little time talking about the nuts and bolts of the measure before unanimously approving it.
A conflict of interest provision drew most of the discussion. Though aimed at the five-member DABC commission, it also encompasses rank-and-file workers.
As written, SB314 would prevent full- and part-time DABC employees and their spouses from working for any liquor license holder. For example, a warehouse worker would not be allowed to also work as a server in a restaurant.
"I think it's awfully broad," said Earl Dorius, DABC compliance officer.
Sen. Stephen Urquhart, R-St. George, agreed. "Let's focus the conflicts to the decision makers not the ones that work in the warehouse," he said.
Valentine said he would amend the bill when it reaches the Senate floor.
The proposal would also change how the DABC commission chair is appointed, giving that authority to the governor. The governor would also have a say, as would the Senate, in who the commission hires as the agency's executive director.
Lawmakers overhauled Utah liquor laws beginning two years ago, most notably doing away with private clubs that required memberships to drink. Valentine said SB314 is a continuation of those changes which are guided by four principles: public safety, controlling overconsumption, controlling underage drinking and enforcement.
Other provisions in the bill include:
• Setting uniform serving hours starting at 10 a.m. for taverns and 11:30 a.m. for restaurants
• Creation of a reception center license
• Allowing hotel room service to provide single drinks
E-mail: romboy@desnews.com
