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SALT LAKE CITY -- At a packed meeting of the Utah Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission Wednesday it was announced that there are enough permits to hand out to everyone who applied for one. For restaurateurs and bar owners, it was a relief.
"It's really important for us to be able to accommodate [out-of-state tourists]," said Reza Fakhrieh, who is working on a hotel project in the Park City area. "So, for us to have that license in place is crucial."
Liquor permits are handed out based on population estimates, which are revised annually. After last month's commission meeting there were 14 applications for liquor licenses and only 12 permits available. The numbers changed on Wednesday, leaving enough for everybody who applied.
Still, some say it is time to do away with the quotas.
"I hate the fact that we're running out when we have the growth that we have coming in," said Mary Ann Mantes, commissioner of the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (DABC).
"What's the point of reducing economic growth? That's how I look at it," said Del Vance, who owns the Beerhive Pub, which is almost ready to open.
Vance says he was a little worried he might not get a private club license, based on reports of a shortage. The license is necessary in order to make his investment pay off.
"Our theme is going to be more of a traditional old-time saloon. We had a gentleman build a hand-crafted back bar; we did a complete restoration on the front," Vance explained.
Though the state will not run out of liquor licenses this summer, liquor control officials say the limited number of permits is still bound to cause conflict in the future if the law isn't changed.
DABC chairman Sam Granato said, "In the next few months, depending on applicants, we will have an issue. And it should be addressed so we can keep the economy robust."
Commissioners say a legislative subcommittee may take a look at the issue. However, incoming Utah Gov. Gary Herbert has said he does not support any more dramatic changes to Utah's liquor laws.
"I'm not calling doing away with quotas dramatic," countered Granato, who is running for U.S. Senate as a Democrat. "I'm calling it common sense."
The issue comes as Utah is prepared to make a sweeping series of changes to its liquor laws. Effective next week, private club memberships will be done away with. The change was pushed through the Utah State Legislature in an effort to make Utah more friendly to tourists and promote economic growth.
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Story compiled with contributions from Richard Piatt and Ben Winslow.
