This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

According to the July 20 Tribune ("Utah Regents may rein in Red Zone stores"), a Legislative Audit may force the University of Utah to close its Red Zone stores.

Seems the powers that be in the state feel they might unfairly complete with private enterprise, and the invisible hand of the free market.

As much as I support any enterprise that brings extra money to my University, especially in this state where education at all level is woefully underfunded, I'm almost wishing they would force them to close.

And that it sets a president for all industries run by the state.

I then expect to be the first person granted permission to open my own liquor store.

After all, those state-owned stores are in direct competition with what would be a booming free market.

Jeff Stickley

Murray