Pleasant Grove City Council approves off-premise beer license for Lake Smoke and Bape

In a recent Pleasant Grove City Council meeting held on July 1, 2025, the council addressed a significant request from Alami Tobacco, operating as Lake Smoke and Bape, for an off-premise beer retailer license. This request is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first application for such a license in Utah County by the business, which has been operating in the Macy's shopping center for several years.

The council discussed the implications of granting this license, which would allow the store to sell sealed beer products for consumption off the premises, similar to offerings found in convenience stores. The proposal was presented by a council member who confirmed that the application met all state distance requirements from community centers and that there are no state restrictions preventing the sale of beer alongside smoke shop products.

The council's deliberation included considerations of local consent, which is a prerequisite for the state application. The applicant, although not present at the meeting, had communicated with council members prior, indicating that he holds similar licenses at other locations in Salt Lake County.

After a brief discussion, the council unanimously approved the motion to grant the off-premise beer retail license, reflecting a growing trend in local businesses seeking to diversify their product offerings in response to community demands.

In addition to the beer license discussion, the council also moved on to consider a resolution authorizing the city administrator to execute an agreement with the Lockhart Group, although details on this topic were not elaborated during the meeting.

The approval of the beer license is expected to have implications for local commerce, potentially increasing foot traffic to the store and contributing to the local economy. As Pleasant Grove continues to evolve, such decisions highlight the council's responsiveness to business needs while balancing community standards. The next steps will involve the applicant proceeding with the state-level application, following the council's endorsement.