The Utah Hospitality Association filed a petition Thursday to collect signatures for a statewide initiative for the 2010 ballot, doing away with the private-club system in which people must pay fees to get a drink.
But today, Huntsman's spokeswoman Lisa Roskelley said the governor is hopeful "this could be done by legislation rather than having to wait for a vote in 2010. The governor believes this is something that needs to happen. This would be of a help to our tourism industry."
Huntsman hinted at Wednesday's closing luncheon of the Utah Tourism Conference that possible changes to the state's liquor laws were on his mind. "Alcohol is a no-win issue for governors," he remarked, "but we'll work on it."
Earlier this year, the governor touted a potentially positive impact on the tourism industry when he proposed increasing the alcohol content in martinis from 1 ounce to 1.5 ounces - another issue that frustrated tourists who reportedly complained of weak drinks. The Legislature adopted the measure, which went into effect May 5.
One of the greatest stumbling blocks to abolishing club fees, however, may be The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which typically supports strict liquor controls. Many credit the LDS Church for the successful legislation that will take flavored malt beverages off grocery store shelves, starting Oct. 1.
LDS Church spokesman Scott Trotter declined to comment "at this time" on whether the private-club system should be repealed.
"More and more people are fed up with these silly and archaic liquor laws," said lawyer Lisa McGarry, a hospitality association board member. "The timing to abolish private clubs has come."
The association wants the state's 77 taverns - which now may only serve only 3.2 beer - to be allowed to stock heavier beers, wines and distilled spirits, moving bars into the private-club category. And, membership fees for both the expanded taverns and clubs would be abolished.
Under the proposal, taverns, bars and clubs would be similar to airport lounges, where alcoholic beverages may be sold with or without food and patrons may be served at a bar or table.
Senate President John Valentine, who has opposed repealing the private-club system, said memberships have effectively screened out minors and discouraged patrons from becoming intoxicated because cards can be revoked.
"Underage drinking and overconsumption are important issues," said Valentine. "I'm open if these public safety concerns can be addressed in some other way."
Unless the Legislature tackles the issue, the hospitality association could have a difficult time getting the proposal on the ballot. Signatures must be collected from 10 percent of the number of voters in the 2008 gubernatorial election - and in 26 of Utah's 29 Senate districts.
Valentine said he will ask for a recommendation from the Utah Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission before lawmakers convene next year. Commissioners recently turned down a Utah Hospitality Association request for a universal card that could be used at multiple private clubs.
