But the proposal by MADD Utah chapter President Art Brown to give only out-of-state visitors free admission to clubs is drawing criticism from tourism and economic development leaders who say the idea would underscore notions that people cannot get a drink in Utah.

Brown wants a free "welcome" card issued to anyone with an out-of-state driver license. The card in turn, could be used to gain admittance to any private club without having to pay a membership fee like all club patrons are now required to do.

"A visitor shows up at the door of a club and is issued a temporary, free membership card," said Brown. "It's simple. And it's what the tourism industry needs."

Tourism officials have long complained that visitors are befuddled at Utah liquor laws that require them to pay a membership fee before they can buy a drink. Fees cost at least $12 annually or $4 for a three-week temporary card.

Brown has the political clout to get his proposal on the legislative agenda. He frequently works with legislative leaders to enact legislation dealing with drunken driving issues.

During the last legislative session, Brown helped push through a bill that increased the number of undercover liquor-compliance officers by five. And while officials with the Utah Department of Public Safety said the additional officers are appreciated, the department had not requested the new hires.

Joel Racker, representing the Utah Tourism Industry Coalition, said Brown's club proposal is worth considering. But he worries "that if there's a membership requirement, a card or an additional hoop that people have to jump through, it could enforce the perception that it's hard to get a drink in Utah."

Bill Martin with Real Estate Professionals for Economic Growth said liquor is not a controlling issue when companies consider moving to Utah. But the state's confusing liquor laws do cause people to wonder who or what is controlling the state.

"I'm getting tired of answering people questions on why we have such stupid liquor laws," he said. "We can't change the mountains or the weather, but abolishing club membership is something that we can change."

Brown's proposal "smacks of Big Brother," Martin said, because it would still require out-of-state visitors to provide personal information that would be listed on the temporary cards and recorded.

A spokeswoman for Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. - who backs abolishing club fees - also has concerns.

"I do see some problems because it discriminates against Utah residents, and we certainly want to be fair to everyone," said Lisa Roskelley.

The Utah Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission is putting together proposed legislation that will be forwarded to lawmakers when the Legislature convenes in January. Commissioners want to abolish membership fees while increasing club license costs to pay for additional law enforcement.

But Brown argues that doing away with club memberships will increase drunk driving and underage drinking. Brown, whose grandson was killed by a drunken driver in 1999, points to a study by the Pacific Institute for Research & Evaluation showing "that the availability of alcohol has substantial effects on alcohol consumption and alcohol problems."

So far, Brown's "welcome" card proposal has impressed House Speaker Greg Curtis, R-Sandy, who is fearful that patrons will "bar hop" if fees are eliminated for everyone. Brown also has met with other legislative leaders and has passed along his proposal to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which counsels its members not to drink alcohol and has never taken a stance on an alcohol issue that wasn't followed by the Legislature.

Recently, LDS Church leaders sent a representative to the governor's staff to discuss the prospect of abolishing fees.

"We're reserving comment until we see a draft of the proposed law," LDS Church spokesman Scott Trotter said in a statement. "Given the church's long-standing interest, we are in periodic conversation with many people who are involved with this issue."

dawn@sltrib.com

By Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Liquor-control department distributes "welcome" cards to clubs.

* Clubs hand the free cards to anyone with an out-of-state driver license.

* Visitors may use the card for two weeks to get into any club for free.

* Clubs wishing to restrict memberships may do so.

* Others designated as dining clubs (serving more food) or night clubs.

* Licenses fees raised to pay for more officers to police clubs.