Judge supports permit for large gatherings

A federal judge has denied a request for a temporary restraining order to prevent Utah County officials from enforcing an ordinance that requires permits for large gatherings.

Uprock Inc., a Salt Lake concert promoter, had asked for the order as part of its civil lawsuit against the county. The Utah County sheriff's office shut down Uprock concerts in July and August before the 12-hour time limit granted under county permits had expired.

Uprock officials say they obtained mass-gathering permits for both events from the county health department. The civil suit asks for a constitutional review of the ordinance.

U.S. District Judge Dale Kimball said in ruling that Uprock failed to meet four requirements necessary to obtain a restraining order, including that the company would prevail in the lawsuit or would suffer irreparable injury without the order.

Kimball also said Utah County had grounds to shut down the event because Uprock failed to comply with some specific requirements under the permit, including providing the correct number of restrooms, first-aid facilities and potable water.