Sen. John Valentine, R-Orem, says that caps on the number of liquor licenses will not be raised because he believes that more minors will drink alcohol if more licenses are available ("Liquor caps will stay put," Tribune , Nov. 21). He must be speaking from his personal bias and not from any analysis of the data.

Even a casual glance at the results of the 2009 Prevention Needs Assessment Survey, which Valentine referenced, shows that restaurants, bars and nightclubs are the least likely place for a minor to get a drink. Twice as many high school seniors drink at a home with parental permission as do in restaurants or bars, and more than three times as many seniors drink at a home without permission.

Restaurants, bars and nightclubs are important components of a vibrant community (and tax base), and restricting liquor licenses is not the answer to underage drinking.

Marc Jackson

Salt Lake City