Utah making it harder to get liquor licenses near churches

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Utah’s alcohol control board is making it harder for bars and restaurants located near churches to get liquor licenses.

State law says businesses can’t serve liquor within 600 feet of a church, school or park, unless the bar or restaurant applies for an exception.

The state Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission had been giving out licenses under that exception when churches, particularly the Mormon church, didn’t publicly raise objections.

But commission chairman John T. Nielsen said Tuesday that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has said their silence does not mean they have no objections.

The Salt Lake Tribune reports (https://bit.ly/1RqA6wr ) the commission on Tuesday decided it will require businesses to present data showing demand for alcohol in the area and why the license should be granted.

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Information from: The Salt Lake Tribune, https://www.sltrib.com