The Utah legislature is set to end a 40-year-old system that required an application and fee to enter a bar. With tourism struggling, Utah is looking to preserve its $6 billion-a-year industry. Bars could open their doors to the public as early as July 1. Yearly memberships currently range from $13 to $30. A three-week temporary membership is available for tourists for only $4 after completing an application.
Local Bar
The majority of the state’s population belongs to the LDS Church, which requests that its members abstain from alcohol. Furthermore, over 80% of the lawmakers who passed this law are church members. This demonstrates a sharp shift in the church’s influence on legislation, along with the severity of the economic recession. Though the previous fee was manageable, its elimination will keep Utah in step with the other 49 states while making it significantly easier for tourists to spend money in local establishments.
(Fee issue dates back to 2009)
Minor updates and edits were made from the original article.
Photo © Gennaro Salamone
___________________________________________________________________________________
Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Please contact him with questions regarding article or photo submissions.