The Salt Lake Tribune News

Utah Does Not Fall Under Pressure:

By Brittany Cruz Salt Lake Community College

Regulations regarding alcoholic beverages continue to be a debate between citizens and
state officials in Utah. Majority of the U.S. population would agree that the consumption of
alcohol leads to negative repercussions such as; injuries, death, and addiction. So, why would a
large group of people fight for a cause, which leads to such destruction in peoples lives? Many
will argue with the response, It is our choice and our right. In this context right is referred to as
a legal entitlement to have or obtain something or to act in a certain way. The word right is a
broad term and can be used for many situations in our lives; For example, he is right and she is
wrong. It is a persons right to obtain a drivers licenses, but when abused or used wrongfully it
can and will be removed due to the individuals destructive behavior. If laws and limitations are
put in place for dangerous weapons and drugs then there should be limitations for Americas
number one gateway drug, alcohol (Webster).
Utahs laws concerning alcohol are controlled by Utah Department of Alcoholic
Beverage Control (UDABC). UDABC with the help of citizens has determined beer containing
3.2 percent of alcohol can be sold in grocery stores and in convenience stores while operating
under a beer only type license. Additional,
alcoholic beverages containing above a 3.2 percent
will be served at a state liquor store. Utah is one of
18 states who are control states, in other words,
Utah receives all funds from wholesale/retail
alcoholic beverages (Lake). Furthermore, depending
on the type of license held by the business the
earliest time a person can buy the product is 10am
and the latest is 1:00am. As stated above, there are
several ways and places an individual is able to
consume alcohol and various times a person may
purchase it. Alcohol is available to anyone 21 years
of age or above. Utahs ability to control the
alcoholic culture has prevented citizens and
visitors from dimensioning the states foundations in which it was built on. Utah prides itself on
the high standards it has for its citizens, its safe environment for families, and its economic
support for other states. There is nothing silly or embarrassing about Utahs liquor laws
(Mero). Mero states; there is nothing free about being under the influence, being truly free
requires us to use our full mental faculties. We should start questioning our culture when we are
pushing for further alcohol accessibility, when it is already there.
(Credit: Alexey Lysenko via Shutterstock)
Wednesday, July 14, 2014 last updated: 01:24
pm
Utahs restriction against alcohol does
not budge
First Published 6 hours ago Updated 2 hours ago


Those who are opposed to Utahs regulations ranges from visitors, businesses, and
citizens. Arguments are made that if the state lightened up on its restrictions it would bring
visitors and business to the state; Thus, bringing economic opportunities to the state. CEO of
Visit Salt Lake City says Utah does not have enough nightlife attraction (Webb). Is that really
the environment we want for our children? There are already so many states who market this
lifestyle as it is; why should we make our state similar to theirs? People come to Utah for peace
and a chance to escape our rumbustious culture. Utah has never marketed itself as a nightlife
state and the majority of us dont intend to start today. CEO of Visit Salt Lake City also stated
how embarrassing it is for local businesses to deny customers alcohol request and then attempt to
explain to them our laws.
Despite the opposing arguments locals have presented to our State officials; popular vote
still remains high with 2/3 people supporting the alcohol limitations. Utah has proven from its
growth in population and economic stability that it can withstand the pressure of the social norm
and still thrive as a state.




















Works Cited

Frosch, Dan. "Vote on Alcohol Sales Divides a Utah Town Where Few Drink." New York Times,
Late Edition (East Coast) ed.Nov 18 2013. ProQuest. Web. 14 July 2014 .
Lake, Catherine, bell, Adrienne. Utah Alcohol Laws: A summary Of Recent Changes And A
look Ahead. Enterprise/Salt Lake City 43.11 (2013): F5. Regional Business News. Web.
14 July 2014.
Webb, Gaylen. Utahs Alcohol Problem Do The States Byzantine Laws Stifle Economic
Development? Utah Business 26.7 (2012): 62. Regional Business News. Web. 14 July
2014
Mero, Paul. Nothing silly or Embarrassing about Utahs Liquor Laws. Southerland Daily.
April 16 2013. Web. 14 July 2014