What’s in a name?
A lot when it comes to defining our evolving mission. You may have noted that the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control just changed its name to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services, striking the word “control” and replacing it with “services.” The change is the result of recent legislation signed by the governor this year.
As executive director of the new Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services (DABS), I can assure you, this is an appropriate change that more accurately reflects the work we do. It’s true that Utah is among 18 control states in the country, meaning the state oversees the sale and distribution of alcohol. But we do a lot more, too.
The DABS is made up of hardworking public servants. Our work generates millions of dollars for state and local communities annually, keeping taxes low for all Utahns and paying for things like roads and transportation, education, public health and public safety. Last year alone, the DABS generated more than $200 million in revenue that is spent in communities throughout the state - benefitting all Utahns – whether they drink alcohol or not.
DABS is responsible for administering alcohol policies established by our Legislature, and we work collaboratively with community and business leaders to safely and legally provide alcoholic products that businesses and cultural venues use in their operations. We also promote health and safety through alcohol education efforts, particularly reducing harmful underage drinking.
Service is at the heart of what we do, so along with the name change, we are launching service-first programs and practices throughout the department. Soon, hospitality business owners will be able to fill out and submit forms and payments online - something they have traditionally had to mail or drive to the office for hand delivery. Soon, store employees will be able to easily find and track inventory with handheld scanners that are commonly used in retail today.
Soon, Utahns using the special-order system will be able to buy products that aren’t found in our stores, with a quicker, more efficient turnaround time. They’ll also be able to purchase online for safe and convenient store pickup with the new Click & Collect: Buy Online Pick Up in Store program.
An important duty of our department is to support Utah businesses and tourism. The businesses we work with make tremendous contributions to the economic and cultural vitality of our state. We want them to succeed. When the DABS does its job right, we are behind-the-scenes advisors who help businesses navigate legal requirements to open and operate and then we get out of the way. We want retailers to be successful in safely serving their customers and growing their businesses.
But I often say the most important work we do at DABS is educate about the harms of underage drinking and reduce dangerous alcohol related threats like drinking and driving. This is yet another area where the DABS works for all Utahns - both alcohol drinkers and non-drinkers. The data show that drinking before the age of 21 increases the likelihood of risky drinking behaviors and becoming alcohol dependent later in life. A child who starts drinking alcohol before age 15 is 50 percent more likely of becoming an alcohol dependent adult, compared to their non-drinking peers.
These risks can be avoided. Thanks in part to the hard work of the Parents Empowered underage drinking prevention workgroup, which is made up of health, safety, and prevention representatives from throughout the state, underage drinking in Utah is the lowest in the nation and is consistently trending downward.
Our department works together to promote alcohol health and safety education with well-established health, education, and public safety agencies and individuals. The coordinated approach makes real impacts for improving the health of Utah kids and families. We look forward to continuing the advancement of these important efforts.
At the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services, we don’t just sell alcohol. We are first and foremost, serving all Utahns, both drinkers and nondrinkers. We support Utah businesses, we advance Utah’s economy, and we promote health and safety for Utah families. Our name change reflects our commitment to serve.
Tiffany Clason | Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services
Tiffany Clason is director of the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services.