Utah Governor Wants to Leave Liquor Laws Untouched

Gov. Gary Herbert says state lawmakers should back off efforts to change Utah's liquor laws this year, including a proposal to repeal a requirement that some restaurants mix and prepare drinks out of customers' view.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Gov. Gary Herbert says state lawmakers should back off efforts to change Utah's liquor laws this year, including a proposal to repeal a requirement that some restaurants mix and prepare drinks out of customers' view.

Herbert, a Republican, told reporters Tuesday afternoon that Utah's alcohol policies appear to be working and he doesn't see a need for a change.

Heber City Republican Rep. Kraig Powell has a bill that allows restaurants to remove the drink preparation barriers, known as "Zion curtains,"

Instead, restaurants would be required to have an adults-only seating area and a sign warning drinks are being prepared in full view.

The bill has not yet had a hearing.

Herbert said he's prepared "just to give it a rest." He said he's open to revisiting the issue in the future.

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