The IOC, "worried" that UT's liquor laws "could tarnish
the Olympic experience" for journalists who are "used to
having" a local bar to visit "in the wee hours after working
a long day," has asked the SLOC to "lobby for a change" in
the state's liquor rules, according to Mike Gorrell of the
SALT LAKE TRIBUNE. The Mormon Church "forbids the use of
alcohol by its members," and while beer is sold in grocery
stores, UT law "restricts sales of other alcohol to state-
run outlets, establishments serving food, or licensed
private clubs, where a customer must be a member or
sponsored by one before imbibing." IOC members want SLOC to
"ask state officials" to provide "greater flexibility" in
serving alcohol in the media center and to visitors from
"countries with different social perspectives on drinking."
IOC spokesperson Franklin Servan-Schreiber: "As a Frenchman,
I know that a Frenchman kept from his wine might get
cranky." The SLOC "agreed to explore the matter further."
SLOC Senior VP/Communications Shelley Thomas: "We're working
on it. But there's nothing definite" (S.L. TRIBUNE, 5/20).
