Utah Continues Intense Alcohol Regulation Saying No To Mini Bottles
by MADELINE FERGUSON
The state of Utah put a damper on the holiday season for those who were looking forward to mini bottles of liquor finally coming to the Beehive State.
The Utah legislature is now getting involved with the decision by the Utah DABS (Department of Alcohol Beverage Services), formerly known as the DABC (Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control). Earlier this year, it seemed the legislature signaled they would not be involved in the decision.
The rule to bring mini bottles to Utah was first discussed toward the end of July, and following that was the public comment period.
In its last meeting, DABS chose not to vote on whether or not to bring mini-bottles to Utah because the legislature now believes it is a policy issue.
“Commissioner Thue and I met with legislative leadership in the last couple of weeks to discuss this topic. The feeling of legislative leadership is that the sale of these smaller bottles in the stores is a major alcohol policy issue,” Tennert said. “In Utah, the legislature has authority over alcohol policy issues… as a commission we work on operational decisions and that is where that line has been drawn. Given that legislative leadership is telling us that they see this as a major policy issue and have asked to take it up in the elected body, I am going to respect that request.”
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Public comments show many Utahns are in favor of bringing mini bottles to the state and it is understandable why people want them, I mean, they really are the ideal Christmas gift or stocking stuffer. Or, the perfect size to take on an outdoor skiing adventure.
And, the thing is, every other state in the Union has mini bottles so it is likely you’ve seen them or had them in Utah, because it isn’t too hard to head across state lines to Nevada or Wyoming to pick some up. Seems silly to send revenue to other states.
With the legislature being involved, it is highly unlikely Utah will see mini bottles within the next year.
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