Federal judge BJ dismisses Utah alcohol lawsuit.
Josh Loftin, "Federal Judge Dismisses Utah Liquor Lawsuit," Standard Examiner, March 26, 2012
A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit Monday challenging Utah’s prohibitions on drink specials and limited bar licenses unless the attorneys for bar and restaurant owners clarify their arguments.
U.S. District Court Judge Bruce Jenkins gave the Utah Hospitality Association 20 days to amend its lawsuit but made it clear the lawsuit cannot proceed without stronger evidence about the negative impacts on businesses.
Additionally, Jenkins said while an assertion in the lawsuit about undue influence on state lawmakers from lobbyists for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was “interesting,” more proof is needed to explain how it crossed the line of free speech.
The hospitality association had requested that lawmakers be prohibited from taking input from church officials on liquor laws.