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One Utah lawmaker wants to make sure Oktoberfest doesn't run dry.
Republican Curt Oda has unveiled his bill to avoid controversies like the one that erupted last year when the state liquor board considered denying a special event permit for a Utah Oktoberfest event.
Oda's bill says Utah's state liquor commission will grant a special event permit for any festival that meets the requirements.
Current law gives the commission discretion to award a permit even if all requirements are met.
Last summer, the liquor board used a stricter definition of state law when considering withholding a permit for Snowbird Ski Resort's Oktoberfest.
Commissioners said the permits were designed for events put on by nonprofits and charitable organizations that benefit the community.
Oda told KUTV (http://bit.ly/1DDxMQQ) his bill will ensure permits are not denied arbitrarily.