Has Utah MADD gone mad?

After directly opposing Gov. Huntsman' liquor reform, the Utah chapter of MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) was sent a message from the National MADD organization that, “local chapters must adhere to national policies”.

MADD has tried to distance itself from being a prohibitionist movement in recent years, but that is exactly what many beer & liquor advocates in Utah believe MADD to be doing. With many statements and practices within the Utah chapter that suggest that drinking is bad, not drinking and driving, it is easy to discredit the efforts of Utah MADD.

The founder of MADD, Candace Lightner, became disenfranchised after alcohol consumption became the focus of the MADD agenda, rather than reducing drunk driving. And, while it seems the national MADD organization has come around, not surprisingly, the Utah chapter is still focused on a different issue... Maybe they can start their own organization... how about MAID (Mothers Against the Idea of Drinking)?

Becker Backing Booze Businesses

With the recent strides Gov. Huntsman and others have had, normalizing the liquor laws in Utah, it is no surprise that others are jumping on board. Salt Lake City mayor Ralph Becker seems to be trying to lead the pack of liquor advocacy. Two-bar-per-block restriction elimination, and the creation a downtown entertainment district are a couple of ideas that Becker has in mind. I'm just happy that people are trying to change things while the "changing" is good.

Don't forget about the change tributetobeer.com would like to see: Refrigeration units in the liquor stores. To sign the petition go to http://www.gopetition.com/online/19931.html

For more information on Becker's initiative go here:
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_11953282