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A statement from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints about alcohol regulation is seen as encouraging to those in the bar and restaurant business.
Since many legislators are Latter-day Saints and they do not drink as part of their faith, changing state liquor laws has been difficult in the past. Now their Church leaders are saying there should be responsible cooperation with those who want change.
Gov. Huntsman has said he hopes lawmakers will work to make the state friendlier to tourists by eliminating some alcohol restriction. Through his spokeswoman he says he's encouraged that all parties can now be engaged in a dialogue.
Church leaders are reiterating their concerns about alcohol abuse and underage drinking, though. The full statement is posted on the Church's Web site in the newsroom section. The community involvement paragraph reads:
"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes that Utahns, including those who work in the hospitality industry, can come together as citizens, regardless of religion or politics, to support laws and regulations that allow individual freedom of choice while preserving Utah's proven positive health and safety record on limiting the tragic consequences of overconsumption of alcohol."
The Utah Hospitality Association is hopeful for change and interprets the statement this way, according to Lisa Marcy McGarry, an attorney with the association: "If you don't want to that's fine, but there are those that do, so let's all work together. Let's do this. And the Legislature listens to the LDS Church, not all of them, but most of them; that's a reality of living in Utah."
The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control will hold a public hearing on changing the laws on Monday, Sept. 29 at 1 p.m. That office is located at 1625 S. 900 West.
E-mail: cmikita@ksl.com
