ST. GEORGE – The Alcoholic Beverage Control Act Amendments passed* both the Senate and House during today’s Fourth Special Session of the Utah Legislature.
The bill provides for four alcohol-related law enforcement officers whose primary focus will be restaurant related.
It increases the number of available liquor licenses for restaurants, by reducing the formulaic factor by which the allowed number is determined. The number of licenses allowed to be issued is determined by dividing the population of Utah by 7,493; the factor pre-amendment was 8,373.
The bill also increases certain license fees and extends effective dates for provisions relating to transfer of retail licenses to July 1, 2013.
The amendments take effect upon governor’s approval, except for the provisions for law enforcement officers which take effect July 1, 2012; or as otherwise provided should the governor not act or veto.
* S.B. 4001 passed the Senate with 26 yeas, 1 nay and 2 abstentions. From Southern Utah, Sens. Anderson, Urquhart and Hinkins all voted yea.
The bill passed the House with 57 yeas, 10 nays and 8 not voting. From Southern Utah, Reps. Watkins, Last, Vickers, Snow and Ipson all voted yea.
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Copyright 2012 St. George News.
I’m glad to see the state is taking initiative to at least cater to tourists–which in turn will increase revenue dollars–which in turn will increase state tax revenue–which of course will in turn FUND SCHOOLS AND INFRASTRUCTURE and everything we need in our state!!!!
Now if ONLY our local officials would have as much common sense.