Liquor lobbyists call for end to law banning Sunday sales
Lobbyists say antiquated law hampers consumer access
"The state has taken a number of positive steps to modernize its liquor laws, but Prohibition-era blue laws continue to inconvenience Utah consumers," said David Wojnar, vice president of government affairs for the council, based in Washington, D.C.
Utah is one of only five states that prohibits liquor stores from opening on both the Independence Day holiday and Sundays, Wojnar said, hampering consumer access to alcohol over the long holiday weekend.
The industry lobbyists are pushing to end laws banning the sale of liquor on Sundays, one of the so-called colonial-era "blue laws" prohibiting breaking the Sabbath. On July 1, Colorado became the 35th state to allow Sunday sales.
Wojnar praised Utah for what he called a "good first step" to bring the state's liquor laws in line with the rest of the country, a bill passed by the 2008 Legislature to allow restaurants and private clubs to sell alcohol while the polls are open on Election Day.
He also cited the ongoing discussion about eliminating private club membership requirements as an example of Utah's efforts to move ahead with its liquor laws. Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. has said he wants lawmakers to consider the change next session.
Huntsman's spokeswoman, Lisa Roskelley, said the need for Sunday sales had not been raised with the governor, "but we're always open to concerns that people have about alcohol policy in Utah."
However, Roskelley said the governor has not been approached about the issue.
Getting the Legislature to look at opening liquor stores on Sunday may be tough. Utah is what's known as a control state, and all wine and liquor must be sold through state-operated stores. Only low-alcohol beer is available at supermarkets and other retailers.
Is there any chance the state would look at allowing liquor stores to open on Sunday?
"No," said state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission Chairman Sam Granato. "I'm open to all considerations, but not that one. ... To open on Sundays, I don't see that happening. I don't think that's realistic, because we don't need it."
But Sen. Scott McCoy, D-Salt Lake, who sponsored the change in Election Day sales that passed this year, said now may be the time to consider Sunday sales along with other liquor reforms.
"We're talking about the 2009 legislative session. It's not an election year," McCoy said, adding that Huntsman's interest in making liquor laws more tourist-friendly also helps. "This may actually be the right time to start having some of these discussions."
Recent comments
People like the ones that post on this message board are the reason I...
College student | July 6, 2008 at 7:24 p.m.
There is only so much mormon guilt the liquor lobby can play off of...
Jason | July 5, 2008 at 6:37 a.m.
I'm a drinker, but I don't care if the stores are open on Sunday....
James | July 4, 2008 at 8:18 p.m.
- Funds for new courthouse approved 1:48 a.m.
- Godfrey vetoes Ogden budget 1:48 a.m.
- Odd Fellows Hall move 1:47 a.m.
- 2 country groups to perform 1:47 a.m.
- Rumor has Boozer with Bulls 1:20 a.m.
- Jazz in back of line for free agents 1:19 a.m.
- Okur signs two-year extension 1:18 a.m.
- Marion to Mavs, Stackhouse to Griz 1:16 a.m.
- Price for redistricting plan challenged 1:04 a.m.
- Basketball campers learn service 1:02 a.m.
- Rumor has Boozer with Bulls
- Stadium of Fire flag burning was fake
- Jazz in back of line for free agents
- Okur signs two-year extension
- Restaurant destroyed by fire
- Jazz won't meet Lopez on Europe trip
- A primer for the 6th Potter film
- Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
- AK will not play for Russia this summer
- Jazz rally for OT win at Orlando
- Bronco collecting a galaxy of recruits
138 - Letters: Palin mistreated
136 - Teachers struggle with district cuts
134 - Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
122 - Rumor has Boozer with Bulls
82 - Fairness of BCS debated
81 - Moon landing: Let's hear from you
73 - Chaffetz eyes challenging Bennett
72 - Services bids farewell to Jackson
70 - Letters: Time for a revolution
69
As more and more dads are put out of work in this economy, I've been...
The photographs are mysterious, brooding, dark. They show dimples and...
Blazers get the unbalanced trade they seek while not signing Millsap away...
Ricky Bobby - THE JAZZ DO NOT WANT TO TAKE BACK EQUAL SALARIES. They want to...
Despite the fact that logging has all but stopped in the pacific northwest...
My understanding of what FAIR is trying to do, is to provide well thought out...
Jazz will resign Milsap. If they don't it will be ahuge mistake. First off,...
I was waiting for it to be burned on the big metal structure right by the...
Hey Ute fan... the Utes had a good season. And keep throwing that BCS bowl...
Tyrus Thomas is in the last year of his contract too so what is the point for...
CougarKeith, people don't know how to properly retire the flag, what they did...
It is just talk but since it was brought up: IF we can get Prizbilla &...

