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Mary Richards and Whit Johnson reportingThe state of Utah is considering a major liquor law change: doing away with private memberships at bars and clubs. Today the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (DABC) held the first public hearing on the matter.
It's becoming a very passionate debate on both sides of the issue. Dozens of people were in attendance, representing a number of different groups. All want their voices heard before any decision is made.
Jaynie Brown, with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), told the commission, "We ask you, as those who have been charged to protect us, to do what is right."
The arguments range from ensuring the public's safety to stimulating state tourism. "Trying to explain to a European or an Asian the intricacies about Utah's law has a definite deadening effect," said Pat Shea, attorney for several private clubs.
The issue up for discussion is Utah's private club laws, which have been in place since 1968. They make Utah the only state in the country requiring customers to pay a fee and provide personal information before entering a bar or club.
Bar owners say they're tired of the spiel. "'Welcome to Utah! The only way that you can drink in an establishment other than a restaurant is to purchase a temporary guest membership.' I can say it in my sleep," said Shari Beck, owner of Woody's Tavern in Moab.
"Being a private club does not stop any local from going out and having a drink," said Bob Breese, owner of Cheers to You in Salt Lake.
He and real estate professional Bill Martin say Utah's quirky laws cost us tourists.
"The No. 1 problem I hear is having to join a private club," Breese said.
Martin said, "I'm not, at least, asking to sell more liquor. I'm asking us to be polite."
But Laura Bunker of the Coalition for Ethics and Accountability in Government said, "Utah can be hospitable and successful in tourism under the current law," she said.
Pressure from Gov. Jon Huntsman, state economic groups and businesses has brought the issue to a head. The DABC now has the responsibility of gathering public comment and passing information along to the state Legislature.
"I was pleased. I was really encouraged with the people that showed up and the comments that they made," said Sam Granato, chairman of the DABC.
Like Bresse and Martin, many of those who spoke today argue the current laws hurt the economy and ultimately the perception visitors have of Utah. But others say money is not the issue.
"That $5 card is not what's stopping them from getting drunk. It's me," said Walter Mitchell, owner of the Wine Cellar in Ogden.
This was the first of two public hearings regarding private club laws. There's another public hearing on Tuesday, June 17, at 6 p.m. at the Administrative Office of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, located at 1625 South 900 West in Salt Lake City.
Written input is also welcome and should be sent to the following address:
Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
Attn: Sharon Mackay
P.O. Box 30408
Salt Lake City, UT 84130-0408
Or by e-mail at:smackay@utah.gov
E-mail: mrichards@ksl.com
E-mail: wjohnson@ksl.com
