Don't Forget the Beer!

Remember, if you don't snag the 'high point' suds you crave for Independence Day today, you may be sad little beer nerds come Thursday. Some breweries may have their beer shops open on the 4th, so there's that option, but let's face it, you probably have better things to do with with beer time... like actually drinking it - instead of hunting it down. Have a great and safe Independence Day!

Cheers!

Be Prepared for No 5% Beer on November 1st

When the ABV in Utah's beer make the climb from 4.0% to 5.0% in November be prepared for the inevitable hiccup that will accompany it. If your planning on walking into your favorite grocery or C-store November 1st, and plan on grabbing some newly amplified brews, you may have to wait a few days.

Due to an oversight, the state of Utah has made no plans to allow grocery stores to stock-up their inventories in preparation for the big switch. Basically: it will be illegal for stores to possess 5.0% beer until the actual day of the switch.

This will create a massive overload on stores, distributors and breweries that self distribute. Just imagine the cluster fuck of people clambering into stores expecting to buy new brands or newly reformulated beers, only to be met with the same selection or empty shelves.

There are basically two ways to avoid this. First: Amend the law (in special session) to allow for a grace period for grocery stores to stock up for the switch. Second: Allow the stores a week to stock up with a promise from the DABC to not to prosecute during that proceeding week (assuming stores don't try to sell it). Option two seems less likely, given it would set a precedent in 'looking the other way'.

I guess this post is meant to prepare you for the disappointment of no new 5.0% beers on November, 1st - and less about torches and pitchforks headed towards capitol hill. Let's face it, poorly written alcohol laws are a mainstay of Utah, like fry sauce and carrots in green jello. We'll keep an eye open on this to see if a fix is put into place.

Cheers! 

Photo Courtesy Westword/Johnathan Shikes

Ballast Point Beer at the DABC

Many of you have been asking when and where the Ballast Point beers will be showing up in DABC stores. They have popped up at few places along the Wasatch Front, and when I say few - I mean FEW. Here's where you can find them. If your going to make a long drive I suggest you use the phone numbers provided to double check. Who loves ya, Baby?

BALLAST POINT GRAPEFRUIT SCULPIN 355ml
NORTH STATE STREET    OREM    801-225-0119
1675 SOUTH 900 WEST    SALT LAKE CITY    801-975-4035
255 SOUTH 300 EAST    SALT LAKE CITY    801-533-6444
262 E GATEWAY DRIVE    HEBER    435-657-3088

BALLAST POINT HABANERO SCULPIN 355ml
1675 SOUTH 900 WEST    SALT LAKE CITY    801-975-4035

BALLAST POINT SCULPIN IPA 355ml
1688 NORTH STATE STREET    OREM    801-225-0119
1675 SOUTH 900 WEST    SALT LAKE CITY    801-975-4035
262 E GATEWAY DRIVE    HEBER    435-657-3088
671 S PLEASANT GROVE BLVD    PLEASANT GROVE    801-785-0228

BALLAST POINT BIG EYE IPA 355ml
1688 NORTH STATE STREET    OREM    801-225-0119
262 E GATEWAY DRIVE    HEBER    435-657-3088
671 S PLEASANT GROVE BLVD    801-785-0228

BALLAST POINT DORADO IMP IPA 355ml
1688 NORTH STATE STREET    OREM    801-225-0119
262 E GATEWAY DRIVE    HEBER    435-657-3088

BALLAST POINT PALE ALE 355ml
1688 NORTH STATE STREET    OREM    801-225-0119
262 E GATEWAY DRIVE    HEBER    435-657-3088
671 S PLEASANT GROVE BLVD    PLEASANT GROVE    801-785-0228

Oh, and the Ballast Point Even Keel should be in most grocery and convenience stores by now.

Cheers!

The Snowbird Oktoberfest Fiasco, Gets a Hearing

A few weeks ago we told you about the Utah DABC's renewed focus on how they would start dealing with single event permits that serve beer, wine and liquor. Basically the DABC stated that the intent of the rules for the single event permits were for non-profit orginazations only and that they would start to more closely scrutinize those "for profit" entities seeking permits.

The story went international, Utah was once again that "weird little freak show" in the west that was taking a microscopic non-issue and blowing it up into an economic catastrophe. Sen. Jim Dabakis, D-Salt Lake City, wants answers and is bring lawmakers to Utah's Capitol Hill where the Administrative Rules Committee will meet with DABC's Executive Director Salvador Petilos, to discuss what is termed “change in permit review practice.”

Dabakis says, the bad PR has hurt Utah’s economic development and tourism and that this latest fiasco about "no beer at Oktoberfest" follows on the heels of the ridiculed "Intent to Dine" requirement from earlier in the year. Debakis went on stating, "These are not laws, they do not make us safer, they are just weird interpretations of rules made by DABC that make Utah look weird.”

This morning's Administrative Rules Committee meeting is open to the public and will start at 9:00am in the House of Representative's Building - room 30. If you can attend, I urge you to show up and chime in.

We'll try to get you the highlights from the meeting asap.

Cheers.

Pictured above: DABC Director Salvador Petilos - Courtesy Salt Lake Tribune

No Beer for Oktoberfest at Snowbird?

After years of unprecedented growth in Utah's "socialist" alcohol industry, the state of Utah would like to remind you that, "they are still in charge".

During last Tuesday's DABC board meeting David Gladwell, chairman of the state liquor commission, said, "We’re trying to send a signal that we are tightening up and we are reluctant to grant single-event permits to for-profit organizations." Basically that means that under state law, groups and businesses are allowed up to 12 special-event permits per year. Single-event permits allow beer, wine and spirits to be served ­at one-time community and civic events.

If you've applied for a special event permit in last few months, you've probably been subject to a newly re-enforced criteria in order to obtain a special permit. It must be for a one-time, unique event that lasts only a few days and it must used by a civic or community group to promote a common good.

Snowbird's four decade long Oktoberfest celebration falls into the second category. While Snowbird's Annual Father's Day Brewfest was narrowly approved for a special event permit, Gladwell warned Snowbird that it may not receive a permit for the 8 week (for profit) Oktoberfest celebration.

Snowbird's management was obviously caught off-guard by the boards announcement and is trying to work out an arrangement with the DABC so that liquor can be served at Oktoberfest.

Just when you thought you were finally starting to see glimmer of hope in the advancement of adulthood in the state of Utah, the 19th Century rears it's ugly head and places it's puritan boot firmly in your neck.

Illustration - Pat Bagley

No More Beer Samplers

Take a look at that fine photo above. It's a ski (or part of one) that's been converted to display the fine beers that Squatters offers in a sampler form. Squatters has been offering this sampler of their low point beers since as a long as I can remember and to my knowledge it nor any of it's like counterparts around the state have cause any problems with consumers or the DABC.

But because of some tee teetotalers inability to pen a law that he couldn't possibly understand, this simple concept has become illegal because it was omitted in a piece of legislation that actually legalized the sale of wine samplers. That's right wine samplers are now legal but beer is not. Makes perfect sense to me.

This is what I'm talking about when it comes to making your voice heard. Bullshit like this will keep happening as long as Utah's free thinking adults keep hoping things will get better, without participating.

This new regulation may or may not go away, It's up to you. What are you going to do about?
More info here. http://m.sltrib.com/sltrib/mobile2/55686909-218/beer-samplers-utah-brew.html.csp

The DABC Finds Balance!

This story is more of a historical note than a critique on the DABC and the way they do business, but please feel free to find rage, frustration, anger or delight in today's post.

On Wednesday, the state Senate confirmed community volunteer and social drinker Olivia Vela over former  interim director of the DABC Francine Giani. Agraz is the sixth member of the newly expanded seven-member board.

Herbert appointed Giani as interim director of the DABC in an effort to clean up the liquor agency, which has been racked with scandal and possible illegal actions by some personnel. 

This is the first time since the repeal of Prohibition teetotalers have not made up its majority since the 1930s when Utah became a liquor-control state.

Now this will only last until the seventh chair is filled sometime early next year, don’t expect any revolutionary changes in the way the board conducts its business. Constance White, one of the DABC Commissioner offered her perspective, stating that although she thinks boards are best served when at least some members represent the industries they help regulate.

Sen. John Valentine, R-Orem, said the appointment of Giani would raise concerns about the head of one state department serving on the commission of another. Giani also is a member of the governor’s cabinet.

Other social drinkers on the board are White, an attorney and former Commerce Department director, and financier Jeffrey Wright. Nondrinkers are liquor board chairman Richard Sperry, a physician, and attorneys Collinwood and David Gladwell.

Revel in this brief equalizer at the DABC! Like a rare comet, you may never see something this rare in Utah ever again - in your lifetime.

Cheers!

Source: Salt Lake Tribune

Behind Zion's Curtain

When I see the title, "Department of Alcohol Beverage Control" my first gut reaction is to wince. I know something difficult is about to accompany those words, and some days I just don't have the strength to deal with all the BS that comes with it.

Just as often, it can also bring me joy, some of my favorite treats are available there.

This is the reality that many consumers and purveyors of adult beverages face from Utah's favorite socialized industry.

I enjoy spouting off about the DABC every chance I get. It's the best "free" therapy a beer lover in Utah can self administer.

I'm not alone, many have the need to "spout off" and spread the word that, things ain't right and a change is needed...soon!

Film maker, Jason Vance is one such frustrated Utahan. Jason has been working on  Behind Zion's Curtain, a documentary that tries to bring the tainted agency's shadowy underbelly in to the light.

The first trailer for his documentary is out, ready to chap-your-ass and make your blood boil. Check it out below.

Behind Zion's Curtain Trailer from Jason Vance on Vimeo.

Cheers!

I've Got a Bad Feeling About This...

If you've ever had any dealings with the Utah Department of alcohol control you know that "shit happens when it happens ". And if you don't like it you can go somewhere else... and as we all know we can't go anywhere else. So we deal with it.

But I don't think that any of us had the slightest clue how screwed up things really are over there. A new audit of the DABC released Tuesday describes a climate of incompetent management, and possible criminal activity.

The audit accuses the former director Dennis Kellen of bid rigging, falsifying financial documents and sending hundreds of thousands of dollars in DABC business to his son's company, Flexpak, without the knowledge or approval of DABC commissioners.

In some cases the department was paying twice as much for products through Flexpak compared to what other vendors offered, according to audit details. The audit says there was so little oversight that thousands of dollars in taxpayer money went out the door.

I guarantee you that those in the legislature, who already look upon alcohol as burden on society will be plotting behind closed doors, to concoct irrational policies and laws to overcompensate for what Kellen's alleged bad management has wrought.

I fear 2012 will be good for the DABC, but another bad year for Utah's beer lovers.

Here's a link to the complete audit.

Cheers!

A New Era at the DABC

There's a new person in charge at the Utah Department of Alcohol Beverage Control. Gov. Gary Herbert named Richard Sperry the chairman of the DABC Commission. The Governor also filled one of two vacancies on the commission, former state senator David Gladwell, an Ogden attorney, was confirmed to a four-year term on the commission.

Once the remaining commission seat is filled, a search for a new executive director for the department will get under way. The current executive director, Dennis Kellen, will be retiring after allegations of mismanagement.

This new commission will be different from others in recent history because it will be more tightly monitored and controlled by a select group of anti-liquor legislators who will have full control of the type of persons that enforce and administer the laws they pass.

I won't make any judgments on these new and pending appointments, but it's likely they'll do their masters bidding (Valentine & Waddoups) without question. Unlike former DABC Chairman, Sam Granato.

Privatizing Liquor Store is an Option?

What would you rather have, a privately run liquor state liquor store that will tack-on upwards of 30% more for your beer wine & liquor - or the current state run liquor system?

Some lawmakers are actually considering these options to save money. The proposal in question aims at getting Utah out of the business of running liquor stores. Instead, the state would control the supply of liquor at the warehouse level, but it would essentially franchise the retail liquor sales to private operators.

Now that all sounds fine and dandy until you realize that these proposed store operators are going to have to make a buck just like any other small business owner.

Utah currently imposes an 86 percent markup on liquor and wine. The state could continue to take that markup — which would mean an increase in retail price — or, with the reduced overhead from not running stores, could shrink the markup, maintain profits and let franchises keep a portion of the sales.

Rep. Ryan Wilcox, R-Ogden, who presented his proposal to the state's privatization board Wednesday, said he is uncomfortable with the state profiting from liquor sales at all, but it is impractical to think the state would give up control over the distribution.

And I think that's the rub. Unless Utah is 100% committed to getting out of the liquor business, Utah's consumers will continue to get screwed both in price and availability.

What do you think, is this a practical idea? Is it worth it paying more for your beer in exchange for a privately leased liquor store?

Bad Business and Politics in Utah

Who the Hell is running this state? I just don't get it!

Just in case you've missed it thus far, the state legislature had directed the very profitable Department of Alcohol Beverage Control to cut $2.2 million from their annual budget. The DABC found the only way to comply was to shut down a dozen liquor stores across the state and cut the remaining store's hours.

Then came the public outrage. Suddenly these lawmakers, who couldn't give one tenth of one shit about these liquor stores closing were suddenly outraged that the DABC couldn't come up with a better way to cut the money.

Now, with two days to go before the recommended liquor stores are to shut their doors comes new word that House and Senate leaders may be willing to sign off on a one-time $1.4 million appropriation to keep the stores in business – at least until next February.

So let me get this straight... four months ago they (DABC) were forced to cut $2.2 million and now they get a gift of $1.4 million from the very people that took the money away in the first place.

Now I ain'ts the most educated of folk, but my "cifer'n" skills show that to be an actual budget cut of $800,000. On April 5th of this year Senator Mike Wadupps said, "They're not being treated different than any of the other agencies of government, but they're asking for a different treatment. They're not the favored stepchild,"

Well, Mike. Apparently they do need to be treated differently, These aren't children who throw tantrums because they're not being treated fairly. They're department who are supposed to not whine and do as their told. Right?

This beast (DABC) that the state has created has to be run like a business not a department in some kind of neo-prohibitionist religious organization. You don't penalize arms of your business for making you/us a shit-load of money.

Senate President Michael Waddoups told FOX 13 News Monday afternoon he will “absolutely” sign off on the $1.4 million appropriation. If the stores are saved the DABC will not have to layoff the employees that currently work at the stores.

Keep your eyes on these legislative douche-bags. I guarantee this will come around again in 2012, and their going to try to pull the same ol' shit that didn't work-out so well this year. In the name of over-consumption of course....

A Propossed Ban on Convenient Store Beer!

As we all know the urge to consume a beer immediately after purchasing is so strong that we as beer consumers will do anything, kill anyone who prevents us from enjoying our sweet mistress, the 3.2 beer. Luckily there is man among us who is capable of saving us from ourselves and our inability to make rational decisions.

At the March 24th DABC meeting, DABC Commissioner Gordon Strachan hinted that he may soon propose a ban on selling all beer at Utah convenience stores. Strachan made it very clear how he feels about beer being sold at gas stations and convenience stores.

Because Strachan may only have a few months left as a DABC commissioner, sources say that he could bring up this ban at the DABC's April 28th hearing. Judging by his comments at that March DABC meeting, Strachan apparently feels that it's simply too easy to buy a big, cold beer and then simply drive away, "I have long been an advocate of the fact that beer should not be sold at gas stations."

However, Commissioner Strachan faces some obstacles. Not only is there a lot of opposition to his ban, but there are also questions about how much authority DABC has in this matter.

The sale of low point beer makes up nearly 40% of sales for these store. Many say that they can't stay in business without a beer license. A ban like this would absolutely devastate most gas stations and convenient stores, not to mention the hit to our small local breweries.

Pure and simple; this is a tiny, little man who wishes to show his "masters" that he's a good and obedient little sheep.

Here's the story that KTVX did last night.

Beer Leaving the DABC?

I have good news and bad news for you.

The Good News. The DABC is is undergoing major reconstruction of their main warehouse in Salt Lake City. The current warehouse is already too small to accommodate the increase in volume the state's ever expanding adult population is putting upon it.

The Bad News. The reconstruction of racking and changes to the physical structure of the building call for a 30% reduction in inventory levels to allow for movement of equipment and materials.

This reduction of storage space means that the DABC's smallest product department (beer) will need to find a temporary space. The solution? Put the higher demand beers with the distributors.

Brands like Sierra Nevada and Full Sail will need to find local distributors to get their beer into the state. This will take some time and paperwork to work out and may cause disruption of the flow of their products. The DABC's warehouse had kept a three month supply of the best selling brands.

While I labeled this as "bad news" I think you can already see a silver lining in there. Giving control of the beer to the wholesaler allows the vendor to better service their product. Temperatures will be regulated while in storage, decreasing the amount of old or expired bottles.

As I stated this is temporary. However this could be a permanent move if all goes well down the line. Beer lovers from around the state have always advocated that all "heavy" beer should get out of the hands of the state and into the hands of distributors. Rep. Curtis Oda proposed legislation regarding this in 2009.

The states requirements for the purchase and transport of beer into Utah are needlessly difficult on out of state breweries. The extra space and transportation options the distributors offer could open up many brands that have not previously been here.

The DABC will continue to procure beer products as needed and work to eliminate out of stocks as much as possible during this transition.

Discussion?

Utah is Out of Liquor Licences

Well guess what. Yesterday the liquor-control commissioners gave out the last of the liquor licenses. Commission Chairman Sam Granato officially announced that the licenses in all three state categories were gone including:

- permits for bars to serve drinks without or without a meal,

- full-service licenses that allow restaurants to serve alcohol with meals.

- and limited-service permits that allow eateries to serve only beer or wine with an order of food.

Entrepreneurs who want a permit to serve wine, spirits or heavy beer must wait for population estimates to increase or existing establishments to go out of business.

The Utah legislature won't change the population requirement that would make more licenses available. State Sen. John Valentine, R-Orem, said ""it's not the right time for the Legislature to make changes to the state's license quota system".

House Speaker David Clark, R-Santa Clara, said if limiting numbers of liquor licenses significantly depresses economic growth, "we'll have another look" but that won't happen until next year.

Rep. Gage Froerer, R-Huntsville, is sponsoring a bill that would lift caps for restaurant liquor licenses but he has acknowledged the measure lacks support, including that of the LDS Church. And as we all know, if the overlords don't like it - it gets squashed.

A new poll by The Salt Lake Tribune suggests that the legislatures view may not be aligned with their constituents. Utahans are nearly evenly split on easing quotas that would create more. Overall, 46 percent of those polled oppose altering the population-based quota system, while 43 percent want it changed so the state can grant more permits.

So if your a national restaurant chain looking to expand your business into Utah I'd have to say, "stay the fuck away from Utah, our leaders don't want you here"! Unless you want to play the LDS way. Too harsh? I don't think so.

-info: Salt Lake Tribune

More Teetotalers on the DABC?

Hey, guess what? we have new commissioners on the DABC's state liquor board! And you know what else? Gov. Gary Herbert made his nominations without asking if the candidates had ever had a sip of alcohol. In addition, neither nominee has ever worked in a bar or a restaurant.

Isn't that great?!! "It’s like hiring a lifeguard that does'nt know how to swim,” said Dave Morris, owner of the Irish pub Piper Down.

Nominee, Richard Sperry an anesthesiologist, said he did not drink. Businessman Jeff Wright declined to comment.

"It's true that when it comes to kind of the alcohol distribution business and consumption of alcohol, I'm probably not as knowledgeable as I ought to be and so one of my personal goals is to come up to speed and understand the business and the things that I perhaps don't understand now," Sperry said.

I think it's pretty obvious which way things are going to go with Governor.
Herbert recently tapped two familiar names in Utah business circles as his "dream team" to head up the state's economic-development efforts.

He announced recently that businessman and philanthropist Spencer P. Eccles will lead the Governor's Office of Economic Development, and Josh Romney will serve as the state's national business-recruitment policy adviser.

Funny how he picked guys with a background in economics to work on economic stuff, all the while handing control of the liquor board to those who don't use the products they regulate.

Now I don't know these guys, they may do a great job with the DABC. But Herbert's obvious apathy in the appointments to this very important commission, really chaps my ass.

Note: There is only one "drinker" on the liquor board.

Cheers!

New This Week

More new beer is available for you at your local liquor store. This weeks new arrivals are.

SAMUEL ADAMS BLACK LAGER
FULL SAIL GRANDSUN OF SPOT
SAMUEL SMITH ORGANIC RASPBERRY

Since this is becoming a regular thing, should I continue to update you guys through a semi regular post such as this, or provide a column over to the right that has a permanent list of the new beers to the area. Your thoughts...

Cheers!

More Beer for You

Here are some new beers available at your local liquor store. Most of the Sam Adams beers should be available now(I've had them). It's a short list, better than no list at all I guess.

I'm still working on the big Uinta BBB mystery/scandal.

Cheers!

SAMUEL SMITH's ORGANIC RASPBERRY
FULL SAIL's SESSION BLACK LAGER
SAMUEL ADAMS' IMPERIAL DBL BOCK
SAMUEL ADAMS' IMPERIAL WHITE

Bigger, Better Beer Selection

Last November I was geeked to go check out the new super-wine store in SLC. I though it would be a great beer outlet considering it's size and the fact that it was new. But alas... I was found wanting. The had three meager bottle of beer and one bottle of cider. I was a sad, sad beer dork.

Well not no more! The 300 west wine store has created a new - much larger beer selection that specializes in the higher end stuff. So if your looking to pick up a couple cans of Pacific Western Genuine Draft, you going to have to go elsewhere mon frère.

Other better beer stores are located at the "old" wine store at 300 e. 300 s. & the liquor store on Fooothill Blvd.

Alert: Governor Huntsman signed the Homebrew Bill to today! You are no longer deviants, fraught with mischief. Cheers!

Brilliant!

Look at the photo above... Every bottle of Suds, Hooch and Jesus-Juice up there has one thing in common. They all have that really cool D.A.B.C. sticker. This is how our overlords know that we've paid our tithe... errr taxes on the adult beverages that we drink.

The sticker system is quite the pain in the ass for state employees who have to (by hand) apply said stickers to millions of bottles annually. At a recent trip to the DABC warehouse is SLC I happened to show up at the beginning of a "tagging party". Barbara Love the manager of the Immense warehouse said that they had just received dozens of pallets Stella Artois for the Sundance Film festival. She and the crew would be pulling an all-nighter to get the boxes off the pallets, open the boxes, mark the bottles; Then re-box, re-stack and send them out. Sounds like a great use of resources to me, considering the legislature is looking to shave costs anyway they can.

Barbara told me that there was proposed legislation this year to get rid of the damn stickers (I'm paraphrasing). Considering the state is in such a budget crunch it sounds like a no-brainer to me. But no-brainers aren't exactly common on Capitol Hill. I've been looking but can't find the proposed legislation. If you've heard-of or seen it, send us a link! Cheers!