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
