House approves measure to allow liquor bought on military bases to be removed from installations

The Utah House on March 1, 2005, passed first substitute Senate Bill 65, amending state alcoholic beverage control rules to permit liquor purchased on certain military installations to be taken off the base and making related adjustments to banquet licensing and installation rules. The measure passed on a recorded vote of 47 yes, 21 no and will be signed by the Speaker and returned to the Senate.

Sponsor Representative Adams said the current statutory prohibition—under which liquor purchased on some military installations could not be removed from the installation—was ‘‘antiquated’’ and cited concerns raised by the BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) Commission review of Hill Air Force Base. Adams described the practical effect: "If you buy liquor on a military installation, you cannot take it off that installation without either consuming it or doing something else with it," and said the bill brings Utah into line with common practice elsewhere.

Representative Alexander raised a fiscal question, asking whether liquor removed from base would be subject to state liquor tax; the sponsor responded, "My understanding is they do not," and said the apparent lack of enforcement meant the fiscal note showed no state impact. Other supporters argued the change would help Hill Air Force Base in federal reviews. Representative Shortliffe and Representative Oda spoke in support, with Oda noting Hill Air Force Base was widely seen as disadvantaged by the current rule.

Opponents focused on consistency and fiscal clarity; Representative Alexander urged further checking of the fiscal impacts. Despite questions about taxation and enforcement, the House approved the measure and referred it to the Senate for the president's signature.