Thread by @BenWinslow

Good morning from the DABC commission meeting! We're still virtual, but mix yourself up a little something and follow along as I live-tweet this sucker. @fox13 #utpol #utliquor

Utah's per capita alcohol consumption rate remains the lowest in the nation, per Doug Murakami (who leads the DABC's Parents Empowered anti-youth drinking program).

@fox13 #utpol #utliquor

DABC flying through violations and granting extended closures for bars with construction issues, etc. @fox13 #utpol #utliquor

Moab's Atomic Bar just got a lengthy extension because of A LOT of @UtahDOT construction in that area.

DABC actually gave the owner MORE time. @fox13 #utpol #utliquor

Because of the ongoing problem of bar license quotas (that the #utleg did NOT address this year), the DABC has started to "triage" who is ready to open when they award coveted licenses. @fox13 #utpol #utliquor

Here's how many liquor licenses are available in Utah right now. @fox13 #utpol #utliquor

The owner of Rye is pleading for a liquor license, saying that a full bar license (they currently have a full restaurant license) can help save their business in this climate. They're switching up their business model and current license is "not sustainable." @fox13 #utpol

Why Kiki in #SLC tried to buy a liquor license, that didn't happen. They've done a lot of kitchen work and plan to open next week.

O-Town Beach Club wants just a summer seasonal license (a temporary one).

"That's all?" Chair Nielsen says, happy. @fox13 #utpol #utliquor

Bewilder has had construction delays (like everyone else). Downtown being a ghost town during COVID hasn't helped, either.

That's the ones ready to go for a bar license. We have 3 applicants and 2 licenses. @fox13 #utpol #utliquor

DABC commission has to decide who gets the next bar license.

After this, Commissioner Jacobson says the next bar license won't be available until June (based on population quota, unless another bar shuts down). @fox13 #utpol #utliquor

Commissioner Jacobson wants to preserve a license for a rural-area bar that's soon to open (and there's a few there).

Chair Nielsen says they could offer a summer seasonal license. Commissioner Tennert says she doesn't want to hold a license. @fox13 #utpol #utliquor

DABC commissioners sound frustrated by the whole situation.

Again, they publicly called on the Utah legislature to fix it (and lawmakers refused: fox13now.com/news/local-new… ) @fox13 #utpol #utliquor

Insult to injury? You get a bar license TODAY and you have to renew it NEXT MONTH.

So you're paying TWICE for the license. Because that's the rules. @fox13 #utpol #utliquor

The owner of Why Kiki trying to make a hard sell, arguing that they're near the Salt Palace AND a new #LGBTQ bar downtown.

Not sure that's a strong a selling point to a largely conservative commission... #utpol #utliquor

Chair Nielsen asks if they'll take a summer seasonal? Why Kiki's owner says "we NEED to open."

Commissioner Jacobson says he wants to hold one back for a future rural bar.

Again, the next bar license will NOT be available until June. @fox13 #utpol #utliquor

The problem with the summer seasonal means it won't start until May.

Bewildered owner chimes in to say they're interested in summer seasonal.

Applicants gotta make a decision to put all their chips on the table for a bar license... #utpol #utliquor

Why Kiki owner now says he's interested in a summer seasonal license.

Commissioner Jacobson makes a motion to give Rye a bar license and a summer seasonal to Why Kiki (holding the other license). @fox13 #utpol #utliquor

BOOM.

Commission approves Rye as the golden ticket bar license. Why Kiki gets the summer seasonal.

One bar license held over because the next one won't be available until June (based on population quota). @fox13 #utpol #utliquor

Now, the DABC is moving through the restaurant applicants (which are decidedly less controversial).

@fox13 #utpol #utliquor

Licenses handed out.

Now, the DABC commission is getting an operations update.

Executive Director Tiffany Clason updating them on the legislative session. @fox13 #utpol #utliquor

SB137 gives pay raises to DABC employees.

@GovCox appointed Tara Thue to the DABC (replacing Sophia DiCaro). Her Senate vote is next month.

@fox13 #utpol #utliquor

The DABC needs YOU! They have 4 openings on the advisory board (which takes public input). Need reps for restaurant, wholesale alcohol, alcohol prevention groups represented. 4-year terms.

Interested? Send resume and letter to DABC by April 30. @fox13 #utpol #utliquor

Chair Nielsen asks if advisory board members can be re-appointed? Yes, but Dir. Clason says she'd encourage new people to join, too.

Chair Nielsen says overall, #utleg session had good advancements for alcohol policy.

@fox13 #utpol #utliquor

Deputy DABC director Cade Meier says Farmington liquor store is now OPEN!

Taylorsville store coming along nicely (anticipated opening in May). @fox13 #utpol #utliquor

The Farmington store is part of the DABC's new concepts, including better shelving and a special section for BOXED WINE.

We know what y'all are drinking, Davis County. @fox13 #utpol #utliquor

Now the financials.

DABC is reporting a 15% DECREASE in bottle sales (about 5.3 million bottles) and a $1.9 million INCREASE in retail sales (about .58%). @fox13 #utpol #utliquor

Financial analyst says this is the impact of beer going to grocery/convenience stores.

Costs of stuff in DABC stores have also gone up (which is passed on to consumer). @fox13 #utpol #utliquor

DABC expenses have also gone up (they're upgrading systems).

A reminder: liquor sales go to public safety, school lunches for needy kids and the general fund. @fox13 #utpol #utliquor

That's the commission meeting. A recap from @kathystephenson and I on the "Utah Booze News" podcast dropping this week! @fox13 #utpol #utliquor