The Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services (DABS) releases its annual report for fiscal year 2022 that outlines total alcohol sales of $557.45 million. After paying for the department’s operating costs, the remaining $229.89 million is put back into the community, says DABS Director Tiffany Clason.
“The DABS funds crucial services that all Utahns use, helping to keep taxes low for hardworking Utah families” said DABS Director Tiffany Clason. “In fiscal year 2022, the DABS generated $198.66 million in revenue to pay for statewide services like transportation and infrastructure, health, education, public safety, school lunches for kids, and underage drinking prevention. The department also generated $31.23 million in sales taxes split between the state and local communities where DABS retail stores are located.”
The FY 2022 annual report reviews all the department’s finances from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, says Clason. The report also provides details in other department priorities such as the number of licenses issued to private businesses and events, the number of bottles sold, and the department’s commitment to safety and underage drinking prevention.
Clason also notes that due to proper fiscal planning, the DABS increased pay for full-time store and warehouse employees across the board, by $2 more per hour. The pay raise is in addition to the 3.5 percent increase for all state employees in FY 2022.
“The DABS employees are at the heart of what we do and are responsible for executing our department mission of providing excellent service while maintaining a firm understanding of alcohol policies and laws,” said Clason.
Clason says the department recognizes its role in financial contributions to government services, in supporting private business, tourism, and cultural events that benefit the cultural and economic vitality of our state, and in ensuring alcohol safety measures are always adhered to in state liquor stores and where alcohol is served by those licensed to do so.
The DABS annual report can be found here: https://abs.utah.gov/about-dabs/annual-reports/.