Inventory legislation was recently passed to lift population-based quotas governing the number of liquor licenses in Utah.
In an effort to bring liquor license supply more in line with demand, State Senator John Valentine, an Orem Republican, introduced the legislation to add 90 new licenses – 50 that allow full service and 40 that limit the serving of alcoholic beverages to wine and beer only.
As The Associated Press reports, the legislature voted to abolish the quota restrictions by 57-10 in the House of Representatives and 26-1 in the Senate.
The bill also ushered in an inventory compliance change that would allow a restaurant’s liquor license to be sold with the business.
Opponents to the law, including Senate President Mike Waddoups, a Taylorsville Republican, had expressed concern that more liquor licenses would make it easier for minors to get access to alcohol. The bill addressed this by increasing the number of compliance officers working for the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and boosting overtime funding for Utah Highway Patrol troopers.
For more information, click here.
