Utah Booze News

DABC commissioners don't appear to be happy with the Utah State Legislature. At Tuesday's meeting, the commission had three coveted bar licenses to award — and 15 applicants. You see, Utah hands out bar licenses by population quota. The formula — one license per 10,200 people — is a made-up number by the legislature. Commissioner Tara Thue called the lack of bar licenses "dismal," and Chair Thomas Jacobson told people in the crowd to speak up and call their legislators to fix it. On the latest episode of "Utah Booze News: An Alcohol Policy Podcast," we recap the DABC meeting. Tanner Strickland Lenart, an attorney with the firm Christensen & Jensen, whose specialty is liquor laws, returns to answer your questions submitted on social media about why Utah laws are the way they are. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Summer is almost over and it's harvest season in Utah's wine country. You read that right. Utah has wine country. On the latest episode of "Utah Booze News: An Alcohol Policy Podcast" produced by FOX 13 and The Salt Lake Tribune, we talk with Doug McCombs, the owner of Instant Gratification Winery in Cedar City about Utah's vineyards and the surprisingly large number of wineries our state has. He's also hosting the Utah Wine Festival this weekend in southern Utah.Kathy Stephenson has a BIG announcement, and we recap a long DABC commission meeting of bar licenses and champagne shortages. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who doesn't like a Top 10 list? On the latest episode of "Utah Booze News: An Alcohol Policy Podcast," DABC Executive Director Tiffany Clason gives us the top 10 selling beer, wine and spirits. Plus, the DABC is officially Utah's cash cow generating $517 million in sales. COVID-19 did not hurt the state's bottom line.Subscribe to get the latest episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After eight years, John Nielsen is stepping down as chairman of the powerful Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission. On the latest episode of "Utah Booze News: An Alcohol Policy Podcast" produced by FOX 13 and The Salt Lake Tribune, Nielsen reflects on his tenure and has plenty to say about the legislature, public safety, and consumer demand in Utah.We also recap the latest DABC commission where axe throwing and alcohol returns, and whether popular hard seltzers fit under Utah's very strict legal definition of "beer." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Salt Lake City International Airport is in Utah. But when it comes to liquor laws? It's not necessarily of Utah. On the latest episode of "Utah Booze News: An Alcohol Policy Podcast" produced by FOX 13 and The Salt Lake Tribune, we venture into the sovereign nation of airport liquor laws, where 8 a.m. drink service and airlines that offer mini-bottles are A THING. We also recap the last virtual meeting of the DABC commission, an entity that has struggled throughout the COVID-19 pandemic with an unmuted public and so many bad internet connections. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Utah's DABC commission forfeited the license of Bountiful's only bar after a paperwork problem that lasted for 18 years. Meanwhile, they granted leniency to a number of bars and restaurants struggling with the impact of COVID-19, including staffing shortages and construction delays.On the latest episode of "Utah Booze News: An Alcohol Policy Podcast" produced by FOX 13 and The Salt Lake Tribune, we solicited your questions about the state's liquor laws on social media. Tanner Lenart, the liquor lawyer (no really, that's her job at the law firm of Christensen & Jensen) answers them and explains why the DABC does the things they do. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was another month of fighting for limited licenses. The DABC commission had two of the highly-coveted bar licenses and three applicants for them, so people had to beg and plead.On the latest episode of "Utah Booze News: An Alcohol Policy Podcast" produced by FOX 13 and The Salt Lake Tribune, we also talk to newly-confirmed DABC Executive Director Tiffany Clason. She details the paperwork nightmare of the agency and outlines her goals to make Utah's alcohol control authority a little more consumer-friendly. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three things are certain in life here in Utah: Death, taxes and a bill in the state legislature on alcohol policy.On the latest episode of "Utah Booze News: An Alcohol Policy Podcast" produced by FOX 13 and The Salt Lake Tribune, we interview Rep. Timothy Hawkes, R-Centerville, who is tasked by the Republican majority with running alcohol bills. He breaks down the latest bill (and reveals the fate of ordering liquor online). We also cover the other liquor bills in the legislature, and where they will land. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2021 Utah State Legislature is about to get under way, and you can expect yet another liquor bill. On the latest episode of "Utah Booze News: An Alcohol Policy Podcast" produced by FOX 13 and The Salt Lake Tribune, we preview the legislative session and what bills you can expect ("to-go" cocktails, bar licenses and budget). We've got an update on Pappy Van Winkle, the highly coveted bourbon, showing up in state-run liquor stores.Plus our special guest is recently-retired DABC executive director Sal Petilos who spills a little tea, er, drink. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big changes are coming to Utah's Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.Executive director Sal Petilos retired as a new administration is moving in. Governor-elect Spencer Cox has tapped Tiffany Clason, a former staffer for Congressman Ben McAdams, to lead Utah's alcohol control agency. She has a resume that includes food and beverage industry experience in London, and political experience working for Republicans and Democrats.On the latest episode of "Utah Booze News: An Alcohol Policy Podcast" produced by FOX 13 and The Salt Lake Tribune, we also have a look at what the Cox administration may be considering when it comes to changes at the DABC (can you say "to go cocktails?").Also, the DABC commission is starting to speak up against the Utah State Legislature. Some commissioners have had it with a lack of bar licenses. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's no secret that Utah's hospitality industry has been hurting in the COVID-19 pandemic — more than 450 restaurants and bars have closed since it began in March.On the latest episode of "Utah Booze News: An Alcohol Policy Podcast" produced by FOX 13 and The Salt Lake Tribune, Salt Lake County Council member Shireen Ghorbani talks about the efforts she and others are making to try to pressure lawmakers and Congress to act to save jobs. The website, saveutahjobs.com, talks about the toll of the pandemic on Utah's hospitality industry and how you can raise your voice to keep your favorite restaurant or bar in business. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Post Malone is a Utah treasure, and now he's got a coveted wine. On the latest episode of "Utah Booze News: An Alcohol Policy Podcast" produced by FOX 13 and The Salt Lake Tribune, Kathy Stephenson recaps the mad hunt for the Utah rapper's rosé, Maison No. 9. (And if you get a bottle, give us a shout to tell us how it is!)We recap another DABC commission meeting where a lot of people still haven't figured out how to mute, and they took some pretty harsh action against a restaurant chain for a lack of background checks. The DABC is also preparing for "click and collect," which could be the future — if the Utah State Legislature would fund it.We'll also take you inside the Utah State Senate confirmation hearing for Juliette Tennert, the newest member of the powerful DABC commission. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amanda Smith had a reputation as a fair and pragmatic member of one of Utah's most powerful commissions. As a Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner, she had to weigh some tough decisions on what businesses get coveted bar licenses and which ones would close.On the latest episode of "Utah Booze News: An Alcohol Policy Podcast" produced by FOX 13 and The Salt Lake Tribune, Smith talks about what it was like to make those judgment calls and what she really thinks about alcohol policy in Utah.The episode also recaps the latest DABC commission meeting where 10 businesses fought for one bar license and the agency reported losing millions as a result of COVID-19. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know that in Utah, churches that serve sacramental wine as a part of communion are required to be licensed by the state? Utah's Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control has a 17-page document that churches must fill out and the pastor has to undergo a criminal background check. On the latest episode of "Utah Booze News: An Alcohol Policy Podcast" produced by FOX 13 and The Salt Lake Tribune, we talk to Rev. Tyler Piel of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Taylorsville and Barb Munoz, a member of his church, who has been helping other Lutheran churches across Utah apply for their sacramental wine license. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Utah bars and restaurants are in danger of going under.A critical deadline looms on Aug. 31 for bar licenses to be renewed. Utah's alcohol control agency says 59 bar licenses have not yet been renewed and that could be a sign of economic trouble for the hospitality industry.Also on "Utah Booze News: An Alcohol Policy Podcast," FOX 13's Ben Winslow and The Salt Lake Tribune's Kathy Stephenson talk to Rep. Timothy Hawkes, who is tasked by the House Republican majority with running liquor legislation about pay raises for DABC employees, the idea of "to go" liquor sales and even the word PRIVATIZATION. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Utah's Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control has provided FOX 13 with its annual list of top selling alcohols in the state. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the closure of so many bars and restaurants, there's been a shakeup. Beers also saw some changes because 3.2 beer went away. On "Utah Booze News: An Alcohol Policy Podcast" produced by FOX 13 and The Salt Lake Tribune, DABC spokesman Terry Wood goes down the list of top sellers and reveals just how many boxes of wine people are buying during the pandemic. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Utah's Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control hits a significant milestone in liquor sales. The DABC has another dramatic meeting with alcohol control commissioners refusing to hand out bar licenses. Plus, the conservative city of Provo is set to allow breweries in after a citizen referendum to keep them out fails to make it on the November ballot. We talk to Provo City Council member Shannon Ellsworth about it. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

It's no secret that bars and restaurants have been struggling during COVID-19. With new health directives that include fewer people, face coverings and other things, many are struggling just to stay afloat. In a post on Twitter, the owners of Quarters Arcade Bar in downtown Salt Lake City called on Governor Gary Herbert to allow the sale of "to-go" cocktails in Utah, like other states have done. It sparked a big response on social media, including the hashtag #SaveUtahBars and an online petition that is generating steam with the goal of legalizing the sale of sealed containers of cocktails and other liquor law changes. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

COVID-19 continues to impact the state (and the world). On the latest episode of "Utah Booze News: An Alcohol Policy Podcast," we recap the latest meeting of the DABC commission. The agency continues to make a lot of money as the pandemic goes on and now it's mandating face coverings in all state-run liquor stores.We also talk to Kelly Howard and Camille Howard, the proprietors of Prohibition in Murray. When the pandemic hit, the speakeasy-themed bar had to re-think how it does a lot of things, including its popular burlesque shows.

Utah's Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control has a problem. The agency is reporting an 86% employee turnover with low wages being one of the biggest reasons why. It's gotten so bad, the DABC went to the legislature to ask for a new funding mechanism. The agency makes hundreds of millions of dollars for the state, but doesn't actually control its own budget (the legislature does). Some want a cut of the sales, while others want an expansion of state funding. State lawmakers acknowledged the problem, and tapped Sen. Gene Davis, D-Salt Lake City, and Rep. Timothy Hawkes, R-Centerville, to work on the issue. Sen. Davis joins the "Utah Booze News" podcast to talk about it. Also, FOX 13's Ben Winslow and The Salt Lake Tribune's Kathy Stephenson talk about the re-opening of bars and restaurants, new health regulations in the COVID-19 pandemic and the "netherworld" of airport liquor laws.

Unlike a lot of places, Utah's Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control is not struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, they're still turning a profit from all the people drinking at home. On the latest episode of "Utah Booze News: An Alcohol Policy Podcast," FOX 13's Ben Winslow and The Salt Lake Tribune's Kathy Stephenson recap the latest socially-distant meeting of the DABC commission and the upcoming "purge" of products from store shelves. Actor Ty Burrell (of "Modern Family" fame) also talks to Kathy about the "Tip Your Server" program to help bartenders and servers impacted by COVID-19.

Utah's Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control carried out its first-ever virtual meeting with dozens attending and quite a few who didn't know how to use the "mute" button. On the latest episode of "Utah Booze News: An Alcohol Policy Podcast" produced by FOX 13 and The Salt Lake Tribune, DABC spokesman Terry Wood talks about the agency's record-breaking liquor sales, hazard pay for store employees dealing with COVID-19, and when bars might re-open.

Everything is "virtual" these days, and so are we. Our tiny studio doesn't allow for social distancing, so "Utah Booze News: An Alcohol Policy Podcast" is being taped over the interwebs. On this episode, we recap the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission's first-ever "virtual" meeting. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact Utah's bars and restaurants, with more closures and people out of work. The Salt Lake Tribune's Kathy Stephenson describes ways you can help your local bartenders and servers (and the restaurants and bars that employ them). Distilleries are stepping up to help Utahns by making hand sanitizer. We talk to Steve Conlin of Ogden's Own who pivoted to medical-grade sanitizer, in addition to making vodka and gin.

Working from home? Washing your hands frequently? Exercising appropriate social distancing? This episode is for YOU! As you do your part to help "flatten the curve" of coronavirus, so are we. The latest episode of "Utah Booze News: An Alcohol Policy Podcast" may sound a little different. That's because we recorded it using an online meeting platform so we don't have to be in the tiny studio we normally use to record the podcast. There's a lot to talk about! The legislature wrapped up just over a week ago with a big alcohol bill (and a little "light bootlegging" legalized). COVID-19 has closed bars and shuttered dine-in for restaurants and Michele Corigliano of the Salt Lake Area Restaurant Association joins us to talk about how YOU can help them in this time of need. Kathy Stephenson and The Salt Lake Tribune have launched a newsletter to help you find out where to support local restaurants. Some distilleries are now making hand sanitizer and the DABC is rationing Everclear (yes, it can be used as a disinfectant) as people panic buy at state-run stores.

The Utah State Legislature is in session and you’d better believe there are alcohol bills! On the latest episode of Utah Booze News: An Alcohol Policy Podcast, FOX 13's Ben Winslow and The Salt Lake Tribune’s Kathy Stephenson discuss all the liquor bills and how the legislative sausage gets made!

A bill that would legalize "wine of the month" clubs in Utah may not get too far in the Utah State Legislature. In an interview on "Utah Booze News: An Alcohol Policy Podcast" produced by FOX 13 and The Salt Lake Tribune, the senator tasked by the Republican majority with running liquor bills expressed a little doubt about the future of the bill. Sen. Jerry Stevenson, R-Layton, also talked about liquor bills he's running that could handle problems with a lack of licensing.

The state of Utah is considering building multi-story liquor stores as space becomes a premium along the Wasatch Front. Appearing on "Utah Booze News: An Alcohol Policy Podcast," produced by FOX 13 and The Salt Lake Tribune, Utah Dept. of Alcoholic Beverage Control deputy director Cade Meier addressed criticism of long lines by Senate Minority Leader Karen Mayne, D-West Valley City, and revealed that a number of new liquor stores are being planned for Salt Lake and Utah counties. Kathy Stephenson also reports that out-of-state liquor stores are seeing a drop in Utahns making a run for the border for stronger beer since 3.2 beer went away.

Utah is wrapping up its first year under the nation's toughest anti-drunk driving law. The state rang in 2019 with .05 as the new blood alcohol level for DUI. So what's been the actual impact of .05? Utah Highway Patrol Colonel Michael Rapich joins FOX 13's Ben Winslow and The Salt Lake Tribune's Kathy Stephenson with a look at some of the early numbers and what officers are seeing on the streets as a result of our tough new law. Also, moving heavier beer out of state-run liquor stores into grocery and convenience stores appears to have had no impact on the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control's sales. They are practically swimming in cash.

Tiki drinks are back! So proclaims Ivy Earnest, the owner of the "Boozetique" who started her alcohol-accessories shop in downtown Salt Lake City because state-run liquor stores legally can't sell corkscrews.

It was on this day in 1933 that Utah (yes, Utah!) cast the deciding vote to repeal Prohibition. “Utah Swings Nation to Repeal as Wet Forces Lose 2 States” proclaimed The Salt Lake Tribune.

Where the kids are getting their alcohol might surprise you.

Utah is on strange new legal ground after a judge allowed a Salt Lake City bar to serve alcohol under a court order. In this episode of “Utah Booze News: An Alcohol Policy Podcast,” FOX 13’s Ben Winslow and The Salt Lake Tribune’s Kathy Stephenson talk about that and how “Beer Day” went with 3.2 beer going away.

We’re on the eve of an historic change in Utah liquor laws with 3.2 beer finally circling the drain and heavier brews moving in. But a new problem has emerged: Utah’s running out of bar licenses.

On the latest episode of “Utah’s Booze News: An Alcohol Policy Podcast,” The Salt Lake Tribune’s Kathy Stephenson is back from her vacation (where she saw -- gasp! -- wine on grocery store shelves!), while FOX 13's Ben Winslow recaps the first meeting of the Beer Availability Work Group as 3.2 beer begins to circle the drain. By Nov. 1, grocery and convenience stores will begin selling heavier beers. Beer-makers have predicted that from about Oct. 15 through the end of the month, many 3.2 beer products will start to just vanish from store shelves.  It could be more pronounced in rural Utah. 

On the latest episode of “Utah Booze News: An Alcohol Policy Podcast,” Utah’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control is considering whether to allow a tavern to be built inside a grocery store. The DABC is also reviewing a legal opinion on women going topless and whether it impacts our longstanding rule about strippers wearing pasties.The DABC also tells us where the White Claw is and what’s going to replace heavy beers that are moving to grocery and convenience store shelves in November.

Get ready for a purge of 3.2 beer brands from Utah grocery and convenience store shelves. Interview with Kate Bradshaw of the Responsible Beer Choice Coalition.

Utah’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control continues to make record-breaking amounts of money, reporting a significant sales increase year-to-date. On the latest episode of “Utah Booze News: An Alcohol Policy Podcast,” FOX 13's Ben Winslow and The Salt Lake Tribune’s Kathy Stephenson also speak with Resh Jefferies, an attorney at the law firm Siegfried & Jensen, on a new study they did ranking states on their strictness when it comes to drunk driving.

Barton Vodka is the biggest selling alcohol in Utah, according to new numbers provided by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. In an interview on “Utah Booze News: An Alcohol Policy Podcast” produced by FOX 13 and The Salt Lake Tribune, DABC spokesman Terry Wood revealed what the top selling beer, wine and spirits are for the past fiscal year. 

On the latest episode of “Utah Booze News: An Alcohol Policy Podcast,” FOX 13’s Ben Winslow and The Salt Lake Tribune’s Kathy Stephenson talk with Squatters’ Adam Curfew about why Polygamy Porter has been blocked from selling in North Carolina. Also, Mike Druce of the newly-formed Utah Consumer Coalition talks about lobbying the legislature for heavier beers on tap. If they don’t get what they want, he says, they’re not afraid of a ballot initiative to abolish the DABC!

On the latest episode of "Utah Booze News: An Alcohol Policy Podcast," FOX 13's Ben Winslow and The Salt Lake Tribune's Kathy Stephenson break down the latest meeting of Utah's Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission. There's an "investigation" into the drinking habits of DABC commissioners, a reminder that Utah law demands bars offer food (even if you don't eat it), new numbers since the state's controversial .05 DUI law went into effect, some juicy news about a liquor store in Farmington and an interview with Nicole Dicou of the Utah Brewer's Guild about a craft beer festival this weekend and her thoughts on 3.2 beer.

Speaking on the latest episode of “Utah Booze News: An Alcohol Policy Podcast” produced by FOX 13 and The Salt Lake Tribune, Sal Petilos, the executive director of the Utah Dept. of Alcoholic Beverage Control outlined exactly how 3.2 beer is going to go away, and what will replace heavier beers in state-run liquor stores. Petilos also told FOX 13's Ben Winslow and the Tribune’s Kathy Stephenson who will be appointed to sit on the “Beer Task Force” to determine whether Utah should go to even heavier alcohol content in grocery/convenience stores. Also on the podcast, Lagoon is set to open a Biergarten next week.

On the latest episode of the “Utah Booze News” podcast: Another interesting meeting of Utah’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission! The Salt Lake Tribune‘s Kathy Stephenson and FOX 13’s Ben Winslow talk about how Social Axe Throwing got around Utah’s strict liquor laws so they can sell beer (it involves pool tables) and the “not a lottery” for the rare Pappy Van Winkle bourbon!

FOX 13's Ben Winslow and The Salt Lake Tribune's Kathy Stephenson discuss one of the last remaining "Zion Curtains" (technically, a Zion Ceiling) to fall at the Eccles Theater and the legislature revisiting the very controversial .05 DUI law while insisting they will not repeal it. Tanner Lenart, an attorney who specializes in liquor laws at the firm of Christensen & Jensen, joins the podcast to answer YOUR questions about shipping in wine from out-of-state, giving booze as gifts, beer flights, the lack of Utah happy hours and why we can't have mini-bottles!

A recap of a surprisingly dramatic meeting of Utah's Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission. Axe-throwing and karaoke are on the chopping block for beer. And Ogden’s Own Distillery unveils another slightly controversial vodka label.