City officials politely suggested Tuesday that the state should look elsewhere for a place to put a south valley liquor store.
Someplace like . . . South Jordan.In its first discussion with the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control since Draper was identified as a possible store location, the City Council told Operations Manager Dennis Kellen thanks, but no thanks.
"I really, really would rather not have a liquor store," Councilman Paul Lunt said.
Kellen told the council the study by University of Utah students two years ago identified the need for another liquor store in south Salt Lake Valley. Funds for the store have been included in Gov. Mike Leavitt's budget request.
Draper was penciled in as a possible site after department director Ken Wynn met with officials in Draper, Riverton, South Jordan and West Jordan last fall. None was excited about the idea, but Draper was least hostile to it, Wynn said last week.
Kellen told the council that while Riverton and West Jordan said, "We don't want that, period," South Jordan officials said they'd be willing to discuss the idea. That was all Draper council members needed to hear.
"I like South Jordan's input to go talk to them," Councilman Darrell Smith said.
Lunt and Councilman Lyn Kimball said it made more sense to put a store in the southwest valley since there is already a store at 8948 S. State in Sandy, but the southernmost west-side store is on 5400 South in Kearns.
Keith Snarr, South Jordan's economic development director, said Wednesday he doesn't think anyone from his city encouraged the Alcoholic Control agency.
"I don't think there's any truth to that," he said. "I met with the mayor and city manager yesterday and got a negative feeling about it. . . . The feeling is (a liquor store) would be something we would never entertain."
Draper officials asked Kellen if the state would use its eminent domain powers to put a liquor store in the city without local approval. He said he seriously doubted that would happen.
Only one resident attended the meeting. And although he did not get a chance to address the council, Steve Glezos said he likes the idea of having a liquor store in Draper because it would generate about $3,000 to $4,000 in annual sales-tax revenue.