Doug Murakami

The special meeting addressed requests for scientific special use permits and a reception center license application. The commission reviewed and subsequently approved the Special Use Permits applications for Unified Public Health Laboratories and Nelson Laboratories, LLC. Additionally, the commission discussed the conditional reception center license application for Luna Event Venue, including the frequency of license use for alcohol service, and ultimately approved the conditional license.

The meeting included a presentation from the Alcohol Education Director providing a data review on youth substance use trends, noting Utah's low ranking nationally for youth alcohol use. The Financial Update detailed December 2025 retail revenue of $27.6 million and contributions to Public Safety and the Parents Empowered Campaign. The Operations Update covered ongoing legislative discussions, including 100% identification and electronic scanning requirements, and the opening date for the Moab state retail store. In administrative rule action, the Commission approved the rule change R82-1-105 concerning Label Approvals, which removed the capital letter requirement for beer labels. A large consent calendar addressing uncontested violations (letters of admonishment and settlement agreements) was approved. Licensee recognitions were given for passing recent Underage Buyer Inspections. A Type 2 Package Agency agreement for Sweetwater Market in Bluff was approved after a clarification of the applicant's name. Finally, numerous license changes, new applications, and extended closures across various license types (Off-Premise Beer Retailer State License, Hotel, Hospitality Amenity, Banquet, Manufacturing, Package Agency, Reception Center, Restaurant Limited-Service, On-Premise Beer Retailer - Recreational Amenity, Restaurant Beer Only, and Restaurant Full-Service) were approved via the consent agenda. Consideration was also given to Bar Establishment license change of ownership and new applicants.

This document outlines the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services' (DABS) annual five-year building plan for state retail liquor stores. The plan is developed using market surveys, population growth projections, needs for replacement and remodels of aging stores, analysis of limited access locations, and projected construction costs. It details anticipated new store builds and remodels, including locations, types, and estimated costs, with completion dates ranging from 2026 to 2030.

The meeting included several key updates and approvals. The Alcohol Education Director presented data from the newly released Student Health and Risk Prevention Survey. The financial update noted that retail sales were down approximately $1.5 million from the previous fiscal year, with total revenue at $21.1 million. The Operations update highlighted an active Rare High Demand Product drawing and a partnership with local charities for donations. The Commission approved a department appointment for Executive Assistant Melissa Suarez, and formally approved the proposed five-year building plan. Revisions to Administrative Code concerning the Evaluation Guidelines and Consignment Inventory for Package Agencies were also approved. The Commission approved a consent calendar of 15 uncontested violation settlement agreements. Further actions included approving license change of ownership applications for Den Bar and Roxy's Pub, and approving conditional bar establishment licenses for five new applicants. Public comments focused on concerns regarding mobile ID scanning capabilities and the 100% identification law effective January 1, 2026.

The meeting agenda included several key items requiring action. These included the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Internal Audit Plan, an update from Parents Empowered, a Financial Update, an Operations Update, and consideration of various Violations. The commission addressed a large Consent Calendar covering numerous uncontested letters of admonishment and settlement agreements for various licensees. Further action items involved reviewing the January License Renewal Campaign results, considering changes of ownership and new applications for Off-Premise Beer Retailer, Hotel, Hotel Sub-License, Local Industry Representative, Reception Center, Restaurant Limited-Service, On-Premise Beer Retailer - Recreational Amenity, and Restaurant Full-Service licenses. License Application Consideration Items included Bar Establishment changes of ownership and new applicants. Department Appointments were also scheduled for discussion in both open and closed portions of the meeting.