Bill to remove ban on election-day alcohol sales given preliminary nod

Utah election days may no longer be dry, after a Senate panel gave a preliminary nod Monday to a bill to remove a ban on election-day spirit sales.

Sen. Scott McCoy, D-Salt Lake, told members of the Government Operations Committee that SB167 is meant to remove an antiquated section of code that prohibits restaurants and private clubs from selling alcohol on election day. State liquor stores would remain closed.

McCoy said he understands the ban came from a time when bars were used as polling places. Today, he says, there's no reason a person shouldn't be able to order a glass of wine with lunch because it's election day.