Newsletter

Get news and deals in your inbox.

Mobile OnTheSnow

OnTheSnow with you on the go.

E-mail   Print   Share  

Down With Private Clubs In Utah

Sep 23, 2008 Jill Adler, Associate Editor     Comments (2)

New legislation may spell the end of private clubs in Utah. New legislation may spell the end of "private clubs" in Utah.

Utah's liquor laws may soon be a little less screwy if Utah's Governor Jon Huntsman has his way.  Utah is the only state where you have to join a "private club" in order to drink in a bar that serves hard liquor. It's basically a $5-20 cover charge that leaves a sour taste in the mouths of ski vacationers who otherwise might ‘barhop' and spend loads of money freely and willingly in this popular winter state.

Huntsman agrees the present restriction hurts tourism and has asked the legislature to toss it out. The smoking ban in Utah bars takes effect this January, so there'll be no need for the private club designation. (Smoking in public areas is prohibited under Utah law.)  

This new proposal's biggest hurdle is the Mormon Church with its strong distaste for imbibing. Close to 90 percent of Utah's lawmakers are LDS members. The Church wants to see an official proposal before they comment.

 

Recent Comments

  • by moto Sep 25, 2008
    Smoking ban took longer to implement because although 90% of Utah legislators are LDS and (probably) don't smoke, the money they accepted from Big Tobacco lobby is as green as the money the DABC generates in the booze monopoly. Kudos to Huntsman for pushing for these things. It will help the tourism-fueled economy to normalize the "nightlife" associated with a good ski vacation.
    • Was this helpful?
    • 0 Yes
    • 0 No
    • Report Abuse
     
  • by gwiffie Sep 25, 2008
    As a Utah native, I am embarrassed by the silly "private club" law. As if that keeps people from drinking! How silly can the lawmakers be??? (Ruht roh...'guess they are pretty silly!)
    Anyway, I took 3 friends to a bar in Park City. We had to buy a "membership" to have a cocktail cuz' drinking is evil...but it was O.K. for cigarette smoke to be blown in our faces! Yuck!
    Sorry, sorry, but you gave me a forum...I also cannot believe how smokers just throw their trash (butts) on the beautiful new snow. Cigarette butts are trash...put them wear trash belongs.
    • Was this helpful?
    • 1 Yes
    • 0 No
    • Report Abuse
     

See all 2 comments       Add your comments

 
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:
Popular Features