A new audit of the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control highlights some slight improvements—and continuing problems—at the agency.
The state has regularly audited the DABC’s performance and finances since 2012. State Auditor John Dougall says while many liquor stores have recently struggled to provide enough cashiers during busy hours and adequate stock of some products, things seem to be on an upswing.
He says the recent digitalization of employee timecard and cash register data can help the DABC provide adequate staff during the busiest hours at each store.
Dougall points out that paying higher wages and hiring more staff are options state lawmakers should consider.
“I understand some would like to privatize DABC,” Dougall says. “I don’t see that in the future. I don’t see the legislature doing that. But there are ways for DABC to operate more like a private business while still operating within that controlled environment that we have in Utah.”
Terry Wood is a spokesman for the DABC. He says the general consensus following the release of the audit was positive.
“We intend to implement some of the ideas that the auditor suggested,” he says, “and we feel good that he said we’re moving in a positive direction, that the report was better than in previous years.”
Wood says the DABC will increase training for employees and look into adopting ways to improve staff efficiency.
