Bill puts imbibers on Utah booze panel

A Utah lawmaker wants to ensure that the voices of drinkers will be heard in the state known for its strict regulation of alcohol.

A bill introduced by Democratic state Rep. Brian Doughty that cleared a House of Representatives committee would require that at least two members of the state’s five-member Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission be drinkers.

The bill, HB 193, would require the governor to appoint two members to the commission only after signing affidavits attesting to their drinking habits. The bill passed the committee on a 7-3 vote.

Utah’s restrictive liquor laws have been criticized by members of the Utah tourism industry, who argue they miss out on business because the laws drive away lucrative conventions to Colorado.