#SAVEUTAHBARS #SAVEUTAHRESTAURANTS

HELP US CONVINCE THE STATE OF UTAH TO ALLOW BARS AND RESTAURANTS TO SELL COCKTAILS IN SEALED CONTAINERS FOR CURBSIDE PICKUP AND DELIVERY, AND HELP OUR BAR AND RESTAURANT INDUSTRY SURVIVE!

The Covid-19 crisis has created the perfect storm threatening our health as a community and the survival of our bar and restaurant industry. We have a unique opportunity to inspire change in the state of Utah.

FIRST: We petition Utah Governor Gary Herbert to create an executive order immediately allowing bars to sell COCKTAILS IN SEALED CONTAINERS that can be consumed safely at home. This will give Utah Bars and Restaurants a critical lifeline for revenue similar to the take-out for restaurants, while also providing restaurants a much needed boost to their own sales. Faced with the reality of the resurgent pandemic, this would create a critical source of revenue for our beloved bars and restaurants. 

SECOND: We petition the Utah Legislature to implement the following alcohol policy action items to help ensure the recovery of our critical bar and restaurant industry during and after the Covid-19 crisis:

1. WHOLESALE PRICING FOR LICENSEES - Did you know Bars and Restaurants pay full retail for their alcoholic purchases from the state? Retailers in most industries purchase their goods from wholesalers at reduced pricing. In Utah, the state is Wholesaler, Retailer and taxing authority. We are the only state with state-run alcohol sales that does not receive wholesale pricing. We petition the state to sell to restaurants and bars at a wholesale discount. 

2. ALLOW "HAPPY HOUR" - Did you know that "happy hours" are illegal in Utah? Drink specials can only be offered for the full day. This regulation does not prevent over-consumption, but limits how bars can choose to run their business. We believe that this is an arbitrary and counterproductive policy.

3. BAR LICENSE QUOTAS - Did you know that Utah increased the population quotas tied to bar licenses to 1 license per 10,200 people, effectively reducing the amount of licenses by 30% in 2018? As part of the process in removing the "Zion Curtain" from restaurants, Utah created a massive backlog of bar license applications.  Reverting back to our previous quotas (1 license per 7,850 people) will allow for better service to patrons all over Utah and, most importantly, less driving to bars. That would promote a safer, more hospitable Utah!

ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR BARS AND RESTAURANTS:

1. CAP SERVICE FEES FROM 3RD PARTY DELIVERY SERVICES - delivery services such as GrubHub, UberEats and DoorDash charge large fees on orders (sometimes up to 33%) to use their service, which often removes the possibility for a bar or restaurant to make any profit. Limit the amount these services can charge during a pandemic that is hammering the bar and restaurant industry. 
2. ADDITIONAL RENT RELIEF PROGRAMS TO COMMERCIAL LEASEHOLDERS - we ask that the state explore options on how they can better assist bars and restaurants in negotiations with landlords in these times of reduced income or assist landlords in passing down their relief programs to tenants.

Please watch this space for more info about how you can help Utah food and beverage movement!

HELP US ENACT POSITIVE CHANGE IN UTAH. HELP US #SAVEUTAHBARS & #SAVEUTAHRESTAURANTS!