Bill for Alcoholic Beverage Control Task Force opposed as waste of taxpayer funds

The Alcohol Policy Coalition announced utter opposition to HB57, which would create an Alcoholic Beverage Control Task Force in the state of Utah. The task force would be responsible to oversee regulation of the Utah Alcoholic Beverage Control Act and consider the effects it has on tourism and economic development.

George J. Van Komen, chairman of the Alcohol Policy Coalition said Thursday that the bill would "not only be a waste of effort and time of those involved but a waste of taxpayers money." He said the state liquor laws received major revisions only two years ago.

The coalition has been working to inform the public of the problems Van Komen believes would come from passing such legislation.

"It would open the opportunity for any recommended changes in alcohol laws," he said. "It has enormous potential for negative impacts on society." He said research has shown that when alcohol consumption increases, issues concerning health and safety also increase, as well as related social problems.

Michael Milne, of the Utah Council for Crime Prevention said there are currently 652 places a person can get a drink in Utah, not including the many places where 3.2 percent beer is available.

"Perhaps picking up a bottle of hard liquor shouldn't be as easy as getting a loaf of bread," he said.

Milne said sacrificing the state's image, convenience and economic development is worth the lives it would save by keeping alcoholic beverages under control. Under current legislation, Utah has reached an all-time low number of traffic fatalities involving alcohol.

"Utah's control system serves as a visible symbol of our public commitment to moderation of beverage alcohol use and has bee a successful vehicle for the promotion of alcohol education, prevention and treatment," Van Komen said.

He hopes the "conservative legislature" of this state will defeat the bill that he said is another attempt to "liberalize and loosen Utah's liquor laws."

HB57 is still awaiting appointment to a standing committee on the Hill.

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