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Show ULC Reps Meet Local Operators Operators of Park City's liquor outlets met with two representatives representa-tives of the state Liquor Commission Commis-sion last Wednesday as the first step in an effort to coordinate the distribution of liquor for the upcoming ski season. Steve Asmus, Supervisor of Stores and Agencies, and Joe Coccinoglio, in charge of club and restaurant compliance, answered questions and gave suggestions for working within Utah's complex com-plex liquor laws in the meeting, which lasted nearly three hours. Much of the discussion dealt with the technicalities or purchasing purchas-ing liquor, hours of operation for private clubs, restaurants and package agencies, and what can and can't be done, when, where and by whom. All details of operation are outlined by statute in the state's liquor laws. Asmus admitted that distribution distribu-tion to package agencies such as Rosie's, and stores in the C'est Bo n and at the resort center, has been poorly managed in the past, but maintained that under the current administration, operators and consumers "are going to see a different picture." "I think we've finally got leadership." he said. Asmus said the state is planning to increase its warehouse ware-house space and promised that stores will be provided any liquor in the state's inventory in any amount needed. Coccinoglio placed much of the blame for the difficulties local clubs and restaurants encounter on the state legislature, which, sets the laws, pointing out that the liquor commission can only enforce existing laws. He urged the group to put ' pressure on the lawmakers, not ing that one problem in the state is the lack of "an organized pro-liquor lobby." Coccinoglio repeatedly said many problems of restaurants and clubs could be avoided if a letter asking permission for some activities was sent to the commission in advance. The representatives also indicated indi-cated new laws that took effect last month could have a profound effect on liquor outlets in Park City. Among the new laws is a total ban on advertising for private clubs, except by direct mail to card-carrying members. Restaurants with mini-bottle licenses are also prohibited from advertising that they carry liquor in any way, except on menus within the restaurants. Under the new law, said Coccinoglio, restaurants that advertise in the press by reprinting their menus must strike any mention of liquor in their ads. According to Chamber of Commerce Director Amanda Peterson, Pe-terson, the group will meet again without the liquor representatives to coordinate their hours and activities. Peterson said the group may also organize to mount a campaign to change at least some of the liquor laws. "We're going to make a concerted effort to pull together a pro-tourist loby group to work toward laws to make liquor availability easier," said Peterson. |