This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
The recent article regarding the need for 14 more liquor stores in Utah is puzzling ("Study calls for 12 more state liquor stores," Tribune, Dec. 18). Why spend taxpayer dollars on these stores and employ government employees to run them? Both go against Utah conservative legislative policies that argue for smaller government and lower taxes.
Why not issue liquor sale licenses to stores like Smith's or Costco, just like licenses are issued to bars and restaurants? Let these stores run the business, and hire the employees. Limit the licenses, require "Zion curtains" to keep the liquor hidden, and enforce Utah liquor regulations for these stores just like they are enforced for the bars.
Sadly, this approach will never even be considered by our Utah legislators.
Peter Harvey
Salt Lake City