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A mobile app that would give tourists directions to the nearest Utah liquor store or let consumers know if their favorite brand of bourbon was in stock doesn't seem that far-fetched in a world where people carry cell phones everywhere.
But would such technology promote imbibing? Under state law, the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (DABC) is not allowed to promote alcohol consumption.
There may be an answer in the coming months as the DABC looks into developing consumer-friendly technology for hand-held devices.
On Tuesday, liquor commissioner Olivia Agraz asked DABC staff to investigate the costs of creating a DABC mobile app. Her request was prompted by a recent trip to Texas, where the state liquor department has developed consumer-friendly technology.
"I'd like to request a new level of innovation," Agraz said, noting that it's not the first time she has made the request. "I've brought this up for three years and it's gone nowhere."
She singled out Executive Director Sal Petilos for his lack of action.
In his defense, Petilos said the DABC has been working with state technology services on a mobile app, but department resources are limited and there are other more pressing needs.
"There is value in a mobile app," he said, "but there are constraints that we have in the department."
Petilos said that Texas also has different laws than Utah. "What they can do versus what DABC can do may be different."
While a mobile app would not necessarily promote alcohol consumption, "it could be perceived" that way, said commission chairman John T. Nielsen.
Jay Yahne, owner of the Hive Winery in Layton, thought it was an idea that's long overdue. As a small liquor producer, "we're not big enough to be stocked in every state-owned liquor store," he said, adding a mobile app would allow customers to easily find his products.
"It would be a great thing," he said. "I'd like to see it sooner than later."