Governor to draft bill on private clubs

Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. isn't waiting for the state liquor commission to come up with a proposal to do away with private club memberships — he's having his own staff draft a bill for the 2009 Legislature to consider.

"We will take the lead on preparing a draft on private club designations," the governor's spokeswoman, Lisa Roskelley, said Tuesday. "I'm not saying it's because it slowed down. It's a priority for the governor, and it's not unreasonable for our office to be doing this."

The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission voted back in July to start work on a proposal to eliminate requirements that would-be drinkers in Utah fill out applications and pay membership fees before being allowed into a private club, the state's equivalent of a bar.

But in August, commissioners voted to "slow the process of drafting legislation on the private club membership issue at this time," after one member, Kathryn Balmforth, raised concerns about the need for any change to the law.

Commission Chairman Sam Granato confirmed the issue has been sent back to Huntsman's office. "Nothing will come through the liquor commission. Why is that? It's the governor's bill," Granato said. "I've met with the governor and that's where it's at."

That was news to commission spokeswoman Sharon Mackay. She said the commission staff was still in the process of drafting a proposal. "I feel confident eventually there will be something, but not quite yet," Mackay said.

Several commissioners have said recently they expect to vote on the proposal again before the legislative session begins in January. But Granato said it's been known for some time that "the bill was going to take on a different life."

Roskelley said she didn't think the governor's office was stepping in because of political pressure surrounding the issue. "His priorities aren't based on political sensitivities," she said. "They're based on what's best for this state."

Huntsman announced in May he would push for getting rid of private clubs, after an industry organization kicked off a referendum petition drive. His own transition team had backed the idea as a way to help Utah's image with tourists.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in September issued a statement suggesting there can be agreement on "laws and regulations that allow individual freedom of choice" without mentioning the private club issue specifically.

The LDS Church, which counsels its members to avoid alcohol, has long opposed what's known as liquor by the drink. Several legislative leaders have said the statement would make it easier to consider making the change.

E-mail: lisa@desnews.com