Salt Lake City is considering a new ordinance that would ban alcohol in any non-residential space between 2 AM and 6 AM — even in private, members-only clubs where alcohol is not sold.

This law unfairly targets our community’s cultural spaces that provide safe, creative environments for music, art, and connection.

This ordinance is not only unnecessary, but also harmful to Salt Lake’s culture and community.

Why We Oppose This Ordinance:

Nuisance Laws Already Exist
Salt Lake City already enforces noise, disorderly conduct, and illegal alcohol activity laws. These tools are complaint-driven and allow the city to address real problems without punishing safe, compliant spaces.

Redundant & Overbroad
This ordinance unfairly treats all gatherings as nuisances — even those that are legal, safe, and members-only. It duplicates laws already in place, making it punitive rather than effective.

Freedom of Assembly
Adults should have the right to gather responsibly in private spaces. This ordinance overreaches by restricting private membership clubs that do not sell alcohol and have a history of compliance.

Cultural & Economic Harm
Compliant cultural spaces provide safe alternatives to underground gatherings. They contribute to the arts, music, and small-business economy. If this ordinance passes, Salt Lake risks losing artists, entrepreneurs, and cultural vibrancy.

Unfair Characterization
The city, the police, and council members use bad actors (The New Yorker, University of Utah House parties and Airbnb parties) from years ago to broadly paint a negative brush toward all late night experiences.  These actors have already been shut down via current laws. The city also claims the sale of alcohol -- which does not happen -- and is already deemed illegal by current laws.

Don’t Let Salt Lake Become the Next Footloose Town
In the 1980s, a Oklahoma town banned dancing out of fear. The story inspired the movie Footloose — a cultural touchstone about the importance of music, community, and freedom of expression.

Now, Salt Lake City is facing a similar moment. Instead of banning and restricting, we should be embracing our creative community and addressing real issues with existing laws.

What We’re Asking For:

We call on the Salt Lake City Council and Mayor to:

Reject the proposed ordinance banning alcohol between 2 AM–6 AM in non-residential spaces.
Rely on or amend existing nuisance laws to address actual problems.
Work with community leaders, operators, and artists to create reasonable policies that balance safety with cultural freedom.
Join Us.

By signing this petition, you’re standing up for:

Safe, inclusive, and creative nightlife in Salt Lake City
Fair and lawful treatment of private spaces
The right to assemble responsibly
Salt Lake deserves better than unnecessary, punitive laws.