If Key Bank officials have their way, state liquor store customers will be able to say, "Charge it," instead of having to come up with cash for their purchases.
Vickie Stephenson, Key Bank assistant manager for bankcard services, asked members of the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission to consider permitting the use of Visa and MasterCard in state liquor stores.Commissioners questioned the wisdom of extending credit to customers with drinking problems, although they agreed the practice would be welcomed by tourists unfamiliar with the current cash-only policy.
The debate ended as soon as Assistant Utah Attorney General Earl Dorius pointed out that cash is the only form of payment the state's liquor stores are allowed to accept.
Stephenson told commissioners that the bank would research the law and come back with proposed changes. She said her presentation was part of Key Bank's effort to persuade state agencies to accept credit cards.