SALT LAKE CITY -- Utah's liquor control authority is gauging customer opinion on its liquor stores, with an eye toward adding more in the future.
In liquor stores across Utah, the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control has been handing out customer comment cards, soliciting feedback on store employees, store appearance and what kinds of liquor it sells.
At a recent meeting, DABC Executive Director Sal Petilos revealed some of the results -- mostly positive, with some criticism about store locations and hours.
"If there's a concern at all, it's probably in the convenience of hours," Petilos told DABC commissioners last month.
Many customers wrote their own requests, like one for "cocktail mixers, also lemons & limes." The most common requests were for more beers.
"I think with the growth in popularity of craft breweries and of that particular segment of the beer market, that may be something to consider," Petilos said.
Another complaint was a demand for more liquor stores.
"In terms of locations, I think the best comment is somebody wanted it in their backyard," Petilos laughed. "I'm not sure it meets the criteria by statute."
A recent study by the DABC found the state could stand to add 12 more liquor stores along the Wasatch Front based on state-mandated population quotas. Six stores could be put along the west side of the Salt Lake Valley to meet population growth, Petilos said.
A DABC spokeswoman told FOX 13 on Thursday the agency was "investigating the possibilities of more store locations" as it prepares its budget for the next fiscal year. The Utah State Legislature would have the final say in whether new stores would be built.
