civolicy lobbyist

Episode 96 Sorry but This is NOT Legal Advice about Utah Liquor

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Just because you think you heard a lawyer on the radio, does NOT mean you have a lawyer.

Utah is known for our bizarre liquor laws. Not being able to find anything but beer in a grocery store, a cap on liquor licenses, the signs that have been plaguing our state the last year that say, “this is a restaurant not a bar,” and of course having to eat food with your order of alcohol if you are in a restaurant. The list actually goes on and on. Slowly changes are being made and this week we had Tanner Lenart, one of Utah’s coolest liquor lawyers, on with us to talk about how the processes work in Utah and what is changing!

Illustration by: Calvin Grondahl

Did you know Utah might not be the only state with the weirdest laws? Tanner spent her time pre-law school around the world and also spent some time as a bartender so not only does she have the knowledge, she has the experience! Did you know there is a group call the liquor lawyers of America? I feel like we can fully support this. Tanner even said they are trying to get their conference here to Salt Lake. We think that should be a big YES!

In case you missed it, the “Restaurant not a Bar” signs did go away this last legislation session. What also went away is you can now watch a movie like Deadpool at Brewvie’s and drink alcohol!  We also got to talk to Tanner about privatization of our liquor system here in Utah. It would be a big feat and would probably have to be a ballot initiative. Who wants to take that up? Any takers? We will stand behind you. Also, just a reminder, the DABC are not the bad guys in Utah when it comes to liquor laws. They are under-staffed and under paid. If you want change in the system get behind some lobbyists, like Civolicy, and talk to your legislators!

If you need assitance in getting your business a license or have legal questions regarding liquor you can find Tanner on Twitter, Instagram, or you can visit her firm at Christensen and Jensen.

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Music: Bootleggers Dance by local Utah Band Folk Hogan

Episode 82 That’s Civolicy, not Civolocity!

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Something great about Utah, no matter the passion, we have people that are willing to fight. Whether it is Kate Kelly, Cat Palmer, Psarah Johnson, and Genevra Prothero.

Now we can add to that list, our episode 82 guest, Alexander Castagno, the president and founder of the Civolicy Lobbyist group.

What is Civolicy you might be asking yourself and why haven’t you heard of it yet? Civolicy is a brand new local grassroots organization focused on changing laws to better the lives of Utahns. Think of it as a lobbyist group for the people. It was founded in May of 2017 Alex wanted to form Civolicy of a lack of political structure that benefits the citizens of Utah directly instead of big business or backroom legislative deals. Their focus is on issue campaigns that will make Utah better. Alex says, “Our goal is for all citizens, young and old, to be involved in pushing for policy that benefit everyone. Our motto is “The power of the people”. Meaning that us, the people, have the real power to make change and must hold our local representatives accountable for our interests.”

What is even more about Civolicy and Alex? The experience that he has at such a young age.


First and foremost he is passionate about politics and policy. Alexander served in the Utah Governor’s Office, and he has also served for a member of the United States Congress. Over his time in these offices he has met advocacy specialists and gained valuable knowledge on how to pursue his own advocacy efforts. Alexander has a B.A. degree in Political Science from the University of Utah and is attending George Washington University for a Masters Degree in Political Management. Alexander is currently the LGBT sub-committee leader and Legislative Policy sub-committee leader for the Utah Suicide Prevention Coalition.
One of Alexanders big pushes is teen suicide prevention. We’ve talked about it many times on the show about the frightening teen suicide statistics that exist in Utah. The question is, what can Utah legislators do to help parents, to help kids, and to help any advocates that are willing to help kids that feel so helpless? Civolicy is also working on liquor law repeals and recently had involvement in the opening up of brewing/distilling in South Salt Lake.

You can find Alex and contribute to his group either financially or volunteering on Facebook, Twitter and their website, Civolicy.org.


Also, if you are feeling down, alone, or just need someone to talk to. We are here for you or you can call the Utah Suicide Hotline 1-800-273-8255

We will ALWAYS love your “likes” BUT don’t forget to click that little SHARE button (or retweet) *sharing IS indeed caring* You can find us and subscribe on Soundcloud, Stitcher, or Itunes, and Google Play and TuneIN. Leave us a review and Follow us on the Twitter @tnupodcast or on Facebook The New Utah Podcast

LISTEN HERE: The New Utah Podcast

Music: Bootleggers Dance by local Utah Band Folk Hogan