RESORTS ASK UTAH TO EASE LIQUOR LAWS

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- In Utah, faith, spirits and commerce don't
mix.

Those in the restaurant, hospitality and brewing business in this
Mormon-dominated city complained Tuesday at a public hearing before
the Utah Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission that the state's liquor
laws are too strict.

Susan Cohen, a representative of the Snowbird ski resort, said state
regulations are ``an intricate web of licensing'' -- with different
sets of rules for lounges, restaurants, catering, room service and
special events.

``Our business is hurt by the hoops our customers have to jump through
to get a drink,'' she said, urging the commission to approve a single
liquor license for resorts, with one set of operating rules.

The commission regulates liquor licenses and permits for more than
1,000 restaurants, private clubs and beer bars in overseeing the
state's $124 million wholesale and retail alcohol business.

But any changes to the state's liquor laws require approval by the
Legislature, where about 90 percent of the members are members of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mormons are urged to
avoid alcohol, tobacco and caffeine.

Utah has some of the nation's strictest liquor laws. Grocery stores
can sell only beer, while wine and distilled spirits are limited to
state liquor stores and a restricted number of licensed restaurants
and private clubs.

``I am not here to apologize for Utah's liquor laws,'' said Jerry
Fenn, a church lawyer and former chairman of the commission. ``Utah's
record in limiting the disastrous social and health effects of alcohol
is second to none.''

Randy Barton, a business owner from Park City, Utah, questioned the
need for private clubs licensed to sell mixed drinks. In order to
enter a club for a drink, people first have to buy a ``membership,''
similar to paying a cover charge.

``I've never once heard a visitor to our state say, `I sure wish we
had private clubs where I live,' '' Barton said.

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Checked-by: Rich O'Grady