Utah says “no” to alcohol.

.The state of Utah has decided that in order to save the state 2.2 million dollars, they have to close seven liquor stores. This proposal is being heralded as a cost saving measure. Although many of us here in Utah are finding that a little hard to swallow; especially when these stores bring in a profit that dwarfs the cost it takes to run them. On Thursday March 31, 2011, the first of these seven stores closed. This store made 20 thousand dollars for the state last year. This is the revenue from just one store. When you consider that the total cost of running these stores is a combined 22 million it is hard to imagine that any state claiming economic hardship would turn away profit. It is estimated that these seven stores bring in ten times their cost in revenue from the state. This revenue isn’t the only potential loss for the state either. Utah is a big skiing destination, and many seem to think that making alcohol harder to come by will cause people to ski elsewhere. This could have a huge impact on the Sundance film festival also. One of the stores that are closing is in Park City, what will Utah have to offer a group of partying celebrities in place of liquor?

So now that we have established that this has nothing to do with money; let’s look at the real reason behind this move.

Like many Republican led states Utah is gearing up for the presidential election. They are continuing to pander to their ultra conservative base. In an attempt to show them that they embody the Christian ideal. They have to attack anything that is perceived as anti-family

If you put this “budget cut” in perspective it fits with the Republican plan, at the national level Republicans are fighting abortion, sex education and immigration. They are fighting the demon liquor at the state level. A similar “budget cut” passed in New Jersey.

As an Utahan who values freedom of choice I am first appalled at the idea that my right to engage in a legal activity is being infringed upon.. Since getting mad has no real impact, I will instead ask a question.

Will the LDS churches give the state the 18 million dollars it is set to lose with this “cost cutting” measure?