The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced on Monday its opposition to a measure that would increase the alcohol content of beer allowed to be sold in Utah grocery and convenience stores.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Jerry Stevenson, R-Davis County, would amend Utah's law to allow beer with an alcohol content of up to 4.8 to be sold outside of Utah liquor stores.

. . ."The Church opposes Senate bill 132 in its current form. We, along with other community groups, oppose legislation which represents a fifty percent increase in alcohol content for beer sold in grocery and convenience stores," wrote Marty Stephens, the director of government relations for the Church, in a statement to 2News. "As you are aware, there are a number of organizations who hold this same position, including substance abuse groups."