DRAPER -- As Draper's City Council revisits its most sensitive subject -- an overhaul of its booze laws -- a battle is slowly brewing over state liquor stores.
A ban on state liquor stores in Draper was first put forward by Mayor Richard Alsop in his recent proposals for changes to the city's alcohol ordinance. But the ban was removed by Councilmen Bill Colbert and Paul Edwards, who are reviewing and revising Alsop's proposals.But councilman Paul McCarty took exception to Colbert and Edwards' editing.
"I disagree with that," McCarty said during a study meeting on Tuesday. "I would like (the proposal) to be reinstated as it is: A state liquor store shall not be located in the city."
Whether or not the ban will be added back to the ordinance -- and whether some citizens will protest such a provision -- remains to be seen because Colbert and Edwards are not done revising the ordinance. The City Council is expected to vote on it when finished.
Also being proposed for Draper's booze ordinance are restrictions that would prohibit alcohol advertisements from being visible from the outside of a business. That would prevent beer or liquor signs from being posted on the outside of a business if such advertisements were visible from a street, parking lot or pedestrian walkway.
City Attorney Todd Godfrey cautioned the council that any restrictions it might try to impose upon alcohol advertisements at point of purchase -- inside establishments -- would likely run afoul of First Amendment protections.
There is one mandatory sign Colbert is pushing for at places that serve alcohol -- signs that warn pregnant women about the dangers of drinking.
Colbert has said the warnings might read: "If you are pregnant, consumption of alcohol during the first trimester may cause birth defects."
At a study meeting for Draper's City Council on Tuesday, he explained his position.
"I'm always concerned about fetal alcohol syndrome and the damage it can cause children," Colbert said. "Maybe the advantage is to try and teach people who are pregnant they should not be drinking. That's a personal peeve of mine."
Some city officials have indicated they want to create a law requiring any beer manufacturers or breweries to get City Council approval for their operation. But the law seems unnecessary since it already is required by state statute.
With an estimated population of 20,000 people, Draper has four restaurants that serve beer but no taverns or bars. Debates over alcohol laws divided this community last year, eventually leading a majority of its residents to vote on the matter last November. During the special ballot initiative, Draper voters shot down a proposal by city leaders that would have prohibited additional Class B or C beer licenses from being issued in the city.
Under proposed revisions by Colbert and Edwards, a maximum of one Class B beer license (for restaurants) would be issued for every 2,000 residents. Alsop previously suggested a maximum of one Class B beer license per 5,000 residents.