Salt Lake City — The Office of the State Auditor (Office) today releases its limited review of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services (DABS) for the period ending June 30, 2022.
The Office identified four findings:
· Finding 1. Unable to Adequately Track and Adjudicate Violations
· Finding 2. Inventory Discrepancies Exist / Failure to Audit Package Agencies as Required by Administrative Rule R82
· Finding 3. Liquor Prices Not Adequate to Cover Handling Expenses and Capital Costs
· Finding 4. Parents Empowered Campaign Has Indeterminate Impact on Underage Drinking
State Auditor John Dougall said, “The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services has been renamed and is under new management. This is our first audit since those changes. We see a renewed focus on improving its operations. Our report identifies opportunities to improve the process for monitoring violations and to remedy inventory discrepancies and product pricing issues. Also, while well-intentioned, the Parents Empowered campaign is unable to show how its efforts actually drive reductions in underage drinking. We recommend the campaign identify meaningful metrics to help it accomplish its mission.”
The news release and related information may be found on the Office’s website at auditor.utah.gov.
The Review may be found directly at: https://reporting.auditor.utah.gov/servlet/servlet.FileDownload?file=0151K000006S51FQAS.
About the Office of the State Auditor
The Office of the State Auditor provides Utah taxpayers and government officials with an independent assessment of financial operation, statutory compliance, and performance management for state and local government.
Specific activities of the Office include performing financial audits, conducting Federal funds compliance audits, providing local government oversight, conducting agency and program performance audits, performing fraud and compliance audits, and operating the State Auditor Hotline for citizens to report suspected financial issues or improprieties. These capabilities strengthen Utah State Government and help taxpayers have confidence in the integrity of Utah’s government agencies.
The Office also provides interactive graphical tools to help taxpayers and policymakers gain greater insight into governmental financial activities.
The State Auditor is a Constitutional Officer of the State of Utah, elected directly by the state’s citizens every four years. The role of the State Auditor is authorized in Article VII, Section 15 of the Utah Constitution. For more information, see auditor.utah.gov.