Owner of ‘anti-Zionist’ bar sues the state’s liquor agency for denying him a bar license

Activist Michael Valentine argues that DABS board violated the state’s open-meetings law, and used discretion it doesn’t have to vote down his liquor license.

(Trent Nelson | Salt Lake Tribune file photo) Michael Valentine, shown here at a mayoral debate in 2023, has sued the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services and its board, saying the agency improperly denied him a bar license during a May 29, 2025, board meeting.

Owner of ‘anti-Zionist’ bar sues the state’s liquor agency for denying him a bar license

Activist Michael Valentine argues that DABS board violated the state’s open-meetings law, and used discretion it doesn’t have to vote down his liquor license.

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