Provo restaurateur asks Utah County to back 18-year-old servers; commission notes it does not set state liquor policy

Chad Richard, owner of Fat Daddy’s Pizzeria in downtown Provo, urged the Utah County Commission on March 5 to adopt a resolution supporting a change in liquor policy so 18- to 20-year-olds could serve alcohol.

Richard said the restaurant industry has struggled to regain 21-year-old servers since COVID-19 and that allowing younger servers would help restaurants recruit staff for an expected influx of visitors and planned economic growth. "Many years ago, we ran a bill that would allow 18 year olds to serve alcohol at our restaurants... Our industry has never recovered from COVID... Our small businesses need to be able to service those people," Richard said.

Commissioners responded with questions about how many other states allow 18-year-old servers; Richard replied that 49 states and territories permit it, and noted some allow 17-year-old servers. Commissioners and staff clarified that Utah County does not set state alcohol policy; Richard asked for a county resolution expressing support for the change to help small businesses.

Related public comment: Utah County Sheriff Mike Smith spoke during public comment to thank the commission for approving employee raises and to urge continued action on staffing shortages in enforcement and the jail. "They are phenomenal... I personally think they deserve more," Smith said.

Outcome: The transcript records the public comments and requests to the commission but does not show any motion or formal action on a county resolution regarding alcohol-service age.