On Friday, a day after the Utah Hospitality Association mounted a petition drive for a ballot initiative to reform Utah's prohibitive private-club system, Huntsman made his position, and his intentions, Cristal clear.

Huntsman supports the idea. He agrees that allowing "beer only" bars to serve a full array of alcoholic beverages, and doing away with private club memberships, would boost tourism. And he's willing to do more than sign a petition. He'll attempt to leverage the Legislature to change the law next year. Lawmakers should.

Our quirky liquor laws are not only an insult to locals seeking a legal beverage, they're a turnoff for tourists. And tourism, the state's No. 1 industry, increasingly drives our economy.

Cheers to Huntsman. It's a necessary move, but potentially risky for the governor if the LDS Church won't give its blessing.

In the not-too-distant past, such a proposal would have seemed impossible. But the times, maybe, are changing. In the past legislative session, in exchange for banishing the so-called "alcopops" to state liquor store shelves, state lawmakers allowed for a stronger 1.5-ounce pour in drinks served in Utah restaurants and clubs. That brought Utah laws more into line with those in the other states and territories. Now, the governor will try to move us another step closer to joining the union.

Hopefully, the Legislature will listen, and the state's religious leaders will stay on the sidelines. So far, so good.

Scott Trotter, spokesman for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, declined comment on the proposal "at this time." And Utah Senate President John Valentine told The Tribune that he is open to the proposal if underage drinking and overconsumption concerns can be resolved. (How about having servers check IDs and not serve intoxicated patrons, Mr. Senator?)

Still, the Hospitality Association should continue its attempt to place the measure on the 2010 ballot, just in case. The proposal might be easier to sell at the polls than on Capitol Hill.