The agency that oversees Utah’s liquor laws has suspended alcohol sales at a Sugar House bar, after a law enforcement operation found evidence of underage drinking on the premises.
The Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services (DABS) issued an emergency order Friday, suspending liquor sales at SugarHouse Pub, at 1994 S. 1100 East in Salt Lake City, while the agency conducts its investigation.
The suspension comes a day after the Utah Department of Public Safety announced that the State Bureau of Investigation had completed a “targeted enforcement operation” on Nov. 22 against the pub. In the operation, officers issued 186 criminal citations to people under 21, seized 50 fake identifications and booked them into evidence, and found six 17-year-olds among the bar’s patrons.
“The DABS does not know when or if the alcohol service suspension will be lifted,” Michelle Schmitt, spokesperson for DABS, said in a statement Friday.
“The department is concerned of possible harm to the public if the bar continues to operate without assurance that safety measures are established; such as, not allowing minors on the premises, preventing underage drinking, and preventing impaired driving,” Schmitt continued.
The Salt Lake Tribune requested a comment from the bar after the Department of Public Safety’s announcement Thursday, and has yet to receive a response.
Kolbie Peterson reports on food, drink and small business for The Salt Lake Tribune and also writes the Utah Eats newsletter. She previously covered breaking news, crime and public safety as part of The Tribune's enterprise team. She received her bachelor's degree at Westminster University, back when it was Westminster College. She has five cats.