DABC New Name and Mission Statement
by DAVID M. JOLLEY, J.D.
The Utah Department of Alcohol Beverage Control Commission (DABC) held a press conference Wednesday morning at the Gateway Mall near the water fountain to announce their new name and mission statement. The DABC will now be named the DABS for Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services.
The new mission statement of the DABS reads as follows:
The Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services oversees the sale and distribution of alcoholic products in the state of Utah. The department proudly serves all Utahns, whether or not they choose to drink alcohol. We recognize out important role in the community in which we financially support crucial government services, support local businesses, and tourism, and prioritize alcohol prevention education for the health and safety of all Utahns. We honor our statutory and legal obligations and value our duty as public servants working for all Utahns.
Speaking at the event were DABS Executive Director, Tiffany Clason; Utah State Senator Jerry Stevenson; Michele Corgliano, Executive Director or the Salt Lake Area Restaurant Association; and Liz Klc, Director or the Utah Substance Abuse Advisory and Mental Health Council.
Tiffany Clason
Clason began the press conference by reading the new mission statement and emphasized that the DABC’s name change is more than just a word change, but reflective of it being more “service-oriented” by serving all Utahns, not just the drinkers. It does this by putting millions of dollars into programs that everybody uses, such as roads, police, public education, transportation, and public health. According to a flyer for the event, the DABS contributed $214.72 million to state and local communities in 2021.
Clason also mentioned new programs to be introduced by the DABS, such as “Click & Collect,” which would allow buyers to purchase their liquor online and then just pick up at the store. In addition, new improvements in technology will allow for better tracking and inventory control, along with online payments for license holders and vendors.
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June 24-27
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There will also be a program which recognizes restaurants and bars that pass the Utah Department of Public Safety Inspections and help lower underage drinking in addition to not over-serving customers.
Jerry Stevenson
After thanking members of the DABS for their hard work, Senator Stevenson noted how Utah’s alcohol industry is always changing to accommodate a growing and more diverse population moving into Utah. As a result, Utah’s alcohol laws are also always changing and while it may be difficult to pass the perfect law in that short 45-day period the Legislature is in session, they can always improve on it the following year.
Michele Corgliano
Corgliano emphasized why it’s important to keep the alcohol industry strong in Utah because tourism is a big part of the economy and many tourists drink. Like Clason, Corgliano believes this is more than just a name change, but reflective of a more efficient and responsive service. She stated nearly all her suggestions and desires to the DABS have been met, which will allow owners to be more prosperous. In addition, Corgliano stated how it may actually be safer drinking at bars and restaurants (as opposed to home) because the owners and managers of these establishments are looking after their customers’ safety—ensuring they don’t over-drink and not allowing underage drinking.
Liz Klc
Liz talked about Utah’s “Parents Empowered” program to prevent underage drinking. Since its inception 17 years ago, the 30-day alcohol youth drinking trends in Utah has decreased by 63.8%. When it comes to underage drinking, parents only need to remember three things, according to Liz: bounding, boundaries, and monitoring.
In closing, Liz stated that the DABS is “the standard on how a state agency can lead to improve Utah families everywhere.”
A video of the press conference can be viewed here.
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