Utah’s Liquor Board Discussing Recommended Changes

Changes to Utah’s liquor agency recommended by a series of critical audits are beginning to be implemented.

Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Interim Director Francine Giani says she will discuss the needed changes during Tuesday’s monthly meeting of the state’s liquor board.

Legislative and state auditors have prepared nearly a dozen reports about the agency since 2002.

Most recently, an audit showed agency employees have been manipulating bids for more than two decades and splitting contracts to skirt state procurement rules.

Other audits have revealed the loss of $300,000 at a privately-owned liquor store and the illegal closures of board meetings.

Gov. Gary Herbert and legislative leaders have said the liquor agency’s management structure will be amended next year, but major policy changes are not expected.