This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Let's blame DABC for all alcohol issues.
Fact 1. DABC licenses all outlets selling products with more than 3.2 percent alcohol.
Fact 2. Laws regarding alcohol are passed by the Legislature.
Fact 3. Enforcement of law comes through law enforcement. At the state level it's the Department of Public Safety. In addition, other police departments can enforce alcohol related issues.
Fact 4. Alcohol is a controlled substance, it's in the public interest that enforcement exist.
Fact 5. Any business or individual can obtain any product available through a legitimate wholesaler.
Fact 6. In Utah the only legitimate wholesaler is the DABC.
Fact 7. Utah's system of alcohol control isn't the best, but can only be changed via the legislative process.
Fact 8. It appears that although Tribune writers are exposed to the above facts, they continue to ignore them in that blaming DABC for everything does not require any journalistic expertise.
Summation: If this is published, hopefully the reader will understand the above facts and weigh them against poor journalism.
Wayne Andersen
Salt Lake City