Bars and restaurants aren’t allowed within 300 feet of schools, churches and parks or libraries in Utah, but the state’s growth has made it increasingly difficult for businesses not to run into proximity challenges.
That’s why the state is considering loosening some of its proximity restrictions. Members of the House Business, Labor and Commerce Committee voted unanimously Friday to favorably recommend HB597, an omnibus alcohol amendments bill.
If approved, bars and restaurants at full-service hotels — facilities offering at least 30 rooms for temporary sleeping accommodations — would be allowed to sell alcohol closer to public parks if a city approves the request following a public hearing. A city approval would trigger an application for the Utah Alcoholic Beverage Services Commission to review and approve or deny, said Rep. Jefferson Burton, R-Salem, the bill’s sponsor…