How did Bogey’s Club in Clearfield avoid closure after multiple violations. What innovative measures did the owners implement to prevent overserving. How are Utah liquor regulators using Bogey’s as a model for other establishments.
The Rise and Near Fall of Bogey’s Club
In the heart of Clearfield, Utah, a remarkable story of entrepreneurial vision, success, and near-disaster unfolded. Bogey’s Club, a private establishment north of Salt Lake City, had become a beacon of economic revitalization in a once-dilapidated area. However, this success story almost came to an abrupt end due to repeated violations of Utah’s strict liquor laws.
The club, founded by Allen Whittle and Mark Livingston, had transformed into a thriving business, attracting thousands of customers. Yet, on a fateful Thursday, they faced the possibility of losing it all. The Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (DABC) had cited Bogey’s twice in 15 months for multiple instances of overserving alcohol, a serious violation of state law.
Utah’s Crackdown on Overserving: A New Regulatory Focus
Utah’s liquor laws have long prohibited serving alcohol to intoxicated individuals. However, recent years have seen an increased emphasis on enforcing this regulation. The DABC’s heightened focus on preventing overserving has put establishments like Bogey’s under intense scrutiny.
Why is overserving such a concern for Utah regulators?
- Public safety: Reducing the risk of alcohol-related accidents and incidents
- Health concerns: Mitigating the negative health impacts of excessive alcohol consumption
- Legal liability: Protecting establishments from potential lawsuits related to overserving
- Community well-being: Maintaining order and reducing disruptive behavior in local areas
The Hearing: A Turning Point for Bogey’s
The final hearing on Bogey’s violations could have resulted in the club’s closure. However, the outcome was quite different. Instead of shutting down the establishment, the DABC imposed a fine and a temporary suspension. More surprisingly, state officials lauded Bogey’s for its proactive and ambitious plan to address the overserving issue.
What penalties did Bogey’s face?
- A $25,000 fine
- A temporary suspension of their liquor license from August 3-17
- Potential for complete license revocation (avoided)
The club’s temporary closure will undoubtedly impact its business, but compared to the alternative of permanent closure, it’s a manageable setback. Clearfield Mayor Tom Waggoner expressed relief, stating, “We are glad they didn’t get closed. It would have just killed them and they would have gone under.”
Bogey’s Innovative Approach to Compliance
What set Bogey’s apart in this regulatory crisis was their comprehensive and innovative approach to addressing the overserving issue. Earl Dorius, regulatory director for the DABC, was particularly impressed, stating, “To be honest, I have never seen anything quite like this.”
What measures did Bogey’s implement to prevent overserving?
- Installation of a sophisticated 48-camera surveillance system
- Implementation of patron tracking technology
- Hiring of a new security director
- Development of over 20 pages of strict employee guidelines
- Elimination of pitchers of beer and “shot girls”
- Introduction of “intoxication incident” reports
These measures go far beyond the typical responses seen by the DABC, which often include increased security and basic employee training. The elaborate camera system, reminiscent of those used in Las Vegas casinos, allows for comprehensive monitoring of the 22,000-square-foot, two-level establishment.
Challenges of Managing a Large-Scale Venue
Bogey’s success brought with it unique challenges. With eight different bar stations and a capacity to host 1,000 to 1,200 patrons on busy nights, maintaining control over alcohol service became increasingly difficult.
What specific challenges did Bogey’s face in preventing overserving?
- Patrons “shopping” different bartenders after being cut off
- Industry culture of bartenders aiming to please customers
- Difficulty in monitoring individual consumption across multiple bar stations
- Managing high volumes of patrons during peak hours
To address these challenges, Bogey’s implemented stricter policies for both staff and patrons. Employees who failed to adhere to the new guidelines faced suspension or termination. Similarly, patrons who repeatedly attempted to drink to the point of intoxication faced consequences, including temporary bans from the club.
A Model for the Industry: Bogey’s as a Training Example
The measures implemented by Bogey’s have not only impressed state officials but have also become a model for other establishments. The DABC is now using Bogey’s approach as part of its training program to reduce instances of overserving across the state.
How is Bogey’s influencing industry standards?
- Serving as a case study in DABC training programs
- Owners assisting in teaching compliance strategies to other club operators
- Setting a new benchmark for proactive measures against overserving
- Demonstrating the potential for technology in alcohol service management
This collaboration between Bogey’s and the DABC represents a significant shift in the relationship between regulators and businesses in the alcohol service industry. It showcases how proactive measures and cooperation can lead to positive outcomes, even in the face of serious violations.
The Impact on Bogey’s Business and Culture
While the implemented changes were necessary for compliance and avoiding closure, they have also had a notable impact on the club’s atmosphere and operations. Both owners, Whittle and Livingston, believe these changes have led to improvements in the overall experience at Bogey’s.
How have the new measures affected Bogey’s?
- Enhanced safety and security for patrons
- Improved ability to monitor and manage alcohol consumption
- Shift in club culture towards more responsible drinking
- Potential reduction in alcohol-related incidents
- Increased trust and cooperation with regulatory authorities
Livingston emphasized that the majority of their patrons don’t come to Bogey’s to get excessively intoxicated. The new measures align with their desire to provide a safe and enjoyable environment while complying with the law. “We absolutely want to comply with the law. Serving an intoxicated person is morally and legally wrong. We think the changes are positive,” Livingston stated.
The Broader Implications for Utah’s Nightlife and Alcohol Industry
The Bogey’s case has implications that extend far beyond this single establishment. It represents a potential turning point in how Utah’s nightlife and alcohol industry approach compliance with liquor laws and responsible service.
What broader impacts might the Bogey’s case have?
- Encouraging proactive measures in other establishments
- Potential for industry-wide adoption of advanced monitoring technologies
- Improved relationships between businesses and regulatory bodies
- Enhanced focus on responsible alcohol service across the state
- Possible influence on future regulatory approaches and policies
As other establishments observe the positive outcomes of Bogey’s proactive approach, there may be a ripple effect throughout Utah’s nightlife scene. This could lead to widespread improvements in responsible alcohol service and a reduction in overserving incidents statewide.
The Future of Alcohol Service in Utah
The Bogey’s case provides a glimpse into the potential future of alcohol service regulation and compliance in Utah. It demonstrates that with innovation, cooperation, and a commitment to responsible service, businesses can thrive while adhering to strict liquor laws.
What future developments might we see in Utah’s alcohol industry?
- Increased adoption of technology-driven compliance measures
- More collaborative relationships between regulators and businesses
- Evolution of training programs for alcohol service staff
- Potential adjustments to liquor laws based on successful compliance strategies
- Greater emphasis on proactive measures rather than punitive actions
As Utah continues to navigate the complex landscape of alcohol regulation, the Bogey’s case may serve as a catalyst for positive change. It demonstrates that even in the face of serious violations, there’s room for innovation and improvement that can benefit businesses, regulators, and patrons alike.
The story of Bogey’s Club is more than just a tale of a business narrowly avoiding closure. It’s a testament to the power of proactive problem-solving, the potential for positive collaboration between regulators and businesses, and the ongoing evolution of responsible alcohol service in Utah. As the state’s nightlife and alcohol industry continue to grow and change, the lessons learned from Bogey’s may well shape the future of how Utah balances vibrant nightlife with responsible alcohol service.
Bogey’s Club to close briefly
With an investment of millions and a vision to create the premier establishment of its kind north of Salt Lake City, two men courted a dream.
It was a huge success, drawing thousands of customers, bringing economic life to a dilapidated section of Clearfield.
Their dream had transformed into reality, but Thursday they nearly lost it all.
Bogey’s, a private club in Clearfield, had been referred to state officials twice in 15 months for multiple violations of overserving. It is against the law to serve alcohol to an intoxicated person, a law that has been on the books for a while but is the thrust of a new regulatory emphasis embraced by Utah liquor regulators.
The state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control could have shut Bogey’s down during a final hearing on the violations Thursday.
But instead, Bogey’s was fined and a temporary suspension was imposed. What’s more, the club earned high praise from state officials for its ambitious, proactive plan to curtail overserving.
The steps the owners took, in fact, are being used by the state as a “model” for other club operators to adopt and are part of the state’s training program to reduce instances of overserving.
“To be honest, I have never seen anything quite like this,” said Earl Dorius, regulatory director for the DABC.
“Typically, you might have a club hire more security, do some additional training for employees and maybe put together a two-page sheet of things their employees could look for. That is laudable, but that is nothing like what we saw here.”
What Dorius, Assistant Attorney General Thom Roberts and liquor commission chairman Nicholas Hales saw was an elaborate camera system like those used in Las Vegas casinos.
Forty-eight cameras monitor the inside and outside of the club, including equipment that can “track” a patron as he makes his way to a serving station.
That is important for a place like Bogey’s, which is 22,000 square feet, has eight different bar stations and two levels.
On a busy night, it is not uncommon to see 1,000 to 1,200 people inside the club.
While the size and upscale ambience is an attraction for members, it has also been a challenge for owners Allen Whittle and Mark Livingston.
Whittle said it is not uncommon for patrons intent on overindulging in alcohol to shop different bartenders after being cut off by one. Another obstacle is an industry-ingrained notion among bartenders to “please” customers and continue to give them what they want.
“It’s tough. It’s hard to say no,” Whittle said.
Not saying no is what landed the club in such trouble, getting smacked with a $25,000 fine last year and again on Thursday for two different instances in which overserving was observed by state liquor-enforcement agents.
Bogey’s also suffered the minimum suspension time for its license, and will close temporarily from Aug. 3-17 because it will be unable to serve alcohol.
But the liquor commission could have revoked the license altogether, which both owners say would have effectively put them out of business.
It would mean a three-year wait to reapply for a license, and meantime, there are bills to pay.
The club would have to be sold.
“We are glad they didn’t get closed,” said Clearfield Mayor Tom Waggoner. “It would have just killed them and they would have gone under.”
Instead, while the case was pending, Livingston and Whittle set about expanding their camera surveillance, hired a new security director and drafted more than 20 pages of strict guidelines for employees to follow.
Among other changes: no more pitchers of beer and no more “shot” girls parading straight gulps of alcohol for patrons.
“It is too hard to control intoxication when you have a server roaming the club,” Whittle said.
Several employees have been fired, while others faced different types of disciplinary action.
“We have had to suspend two bartenders and servers to make our point,” Whittle said. “But it is important they get the message.”
The message, too, has been handed down to a few patrons, who repeatedly try to drink to the point of intoxication.
Some members have had to take 30-day “vacations” from their visiting privileges.
Any fight on the premises, and the membership is revoked. The patron is warned that he will be arrested for trespassing if he ever shows up again.
If a patron is cut off from being served any more alcohol, employees have to fill out an “intoxication incident” report to document what happened.
All those changes have resulted in an atmosphere both owners say is greatly improved.
“The majority of people who come here don’t come here to get slaughtered on alcohol,” Livingston said. “We absolutely want to comply with the law. Serving an intoxicated person is morally and legally wrong. We think the changes are positive.”
Dorius says those changes are the best he’s ever seen.
The state agency has enlisted the help of Bogey’s owners to teach other club operators what they can do to avoid landing in the same trouble.
“Our goal is not to drive people out of business, but to keep them in compliance,” Dorius said.
“We send the message so they change. Yes, they did wrong, but they made some impressive changes. They are a model for everyone else.”
E-MAIL: [email protected]
Salt Lake City Weekly | News, Politics, Restaurants, Music, Entertainment
-
Film Reviews: New Releases for July 7
Joy Ride, The Lesson, Biosphere
Buzz Blog
By Scott Renshaw -
Horoscopes for JUL 6 – 12
Comparable Breakthrough
Free Will Astrology
By Rob Brezsny -
True TV: Streamable movies about America
In honor of the Fourth of July, some flicks titularly-related to the U.
S. of A.
Arts & Entertainment
By Bill Frost
S. of A.
Feature interview: Phil Douglass
Local harmonica player spreads the joy of his instrument
Music
By Emilee Atkinson
-
MUSIC PICKS JUL 6 – 12
Hectic Hobo, Balls Capone, King Niko @ Urban Lounge 7/6, Fall Out Boy, Bring Me the Horizon @ USANA Amphitheater 7/7, Acoustic Tuneup Show @ Garage on Beck 7/9, and more.
Music Picks
By City Weekly Staff -
MUSIC PICKS JUN 29 – JUL 5
Lamorn, Molly Otto, Mooninite @ Kilby Court 6/28, Serafima and the Shakedowns, Branson Anderson, Lit’l Grim @ DLC 6/28, Nita Strauss, Lions At The Gate, Spirit Machines, Bliss Witch @ Urban Lounge 6/29, and more.
Music Picks
By City Weekly Staff
Movie reviews: Joy Ride, Biosphere, The Lesson
Shifting relationship dynamics mark three new releases.
Film Reviews
By Scott Renshaw
-
Horoscopes for JUL 6 – 12
Comparable Breakthrough
Free Will Astrology
By Rob Brezsny -
THE ESSENTIAL A&E PICKS FOR JUL 6 – 12
Komodo dragon exhibit @ Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre, Kinky Boots @ Egyptian Theatre Park City, and more.
Entertainment Picks
By City Weekly Staff
Utah.
Long road to the Arches and ghost towns
Here we are back from a trip to Utah and Wyoming, along the way we still hooked on Montana and Idaho. We drove
1879 miles, found – almost 50 (this is only measured), visited three national parks and gained positive emotions.
Our trip started not at all rosy. Well, firstly, the main destination was Yellowstone, but the weather forecast was sad – rain, rain with sleet, snow .. Therefore, we were in Yellowstone for only two days, and this is unacceptably small for such a park. Secondly, we forgot the camera at home. Remembered already at the airport. Thirdly, when we arrived in Salt Lake City it was pouring rain, the mine that we wanted to see was closed and nothing pleased us at all 🙂
Upon arrival, we immediately went to the store and bought the simplest soap dish so that we could have at least some pictures, and set off towards the Arches park. Despite the rain, it was beautiful around, so the mood gradually improved.
On the way we stopped by two ghost towns – Thistle and Kenilworth.
Thistle is a haunted city due to the vagaries of nature, and not due to changes in the economy, as is usually the case. In April 1983, a massive landslide blocked the Spanish Fork River, resulting in floods that almost completely destroyed the city. Only a few buildings remained of it in the swamp
We arrived in Kenilworth when it was already completely dark, so we didn’t take pictures. This city is not exactly a ghost, it has about 180 inhabitants. Next to it there are some huge beautiful mansions, but the town itself is so-so .. A lot of empty houses, darkness …
rest area).
It was built on the site of another ghost town – Tucker. More precisely, this city is no longer even a ghost, it simply no longer exists. The building in the recreation area was built in the form of a depot, and there is also a steam locomotive (non-working museum exhibit)
and railway with train:) Working:)
youtube.com/embed/9pVFM788vF8?feature=player_embedded” webkitallowfullscreen=”webkitallowfullscreen”>
We don’t have as many railroads here as there. Trains on them very zhvavo even run. Long and loud.
Utah surprised us, we didn’t imagine it at all. Mountainous and wooded, but it turned out (its southern and central part) mountainous, but completely without forest. Everything is some kind of green-gray and in general it doesn’t look like any other place or state.
Except that it looked a little like Peru to me. The roads are long, straight, dark. Nothing lights up at all. Often there is no Internet and the ability to call.
And the street names are very interesting, like this
I thought that in this post I would already start talking about the Arches, but I already wrote a lot about the arches, and I need twice as much more about the arches 🙂 So for now I’ll finish on this, but about the Arches next time.
What the performance “Ghosts” of the Tver Drama Theater screams about – Tverlife.
ru
Photo: Maria Krupko
Production of the drama by G. Ibsen “Ghosts” directed by Alexander Pavlishin at the Tver Academic Drama Theater since 2019of the year remains one of the most unusual, relevant and loved by the audience. What is the riddle? How did the work of the Norwegian playwright and the Tver director come together? What problems of humanity remain immortal? Questions, questions, questions – they go to the theater after them.
“Our performance is an attempt to invite the viewer to a conversation on the most intimate topics, to awaken him from an emotional sleep, to make him empathize with us, to turn him into a participant in the discussion that has arisen. Working on the play “Ghosts”, we are trying to understand whether a strong personality can break out of the shackles of obsolete ideas and start living in a new way … ”says production director Alexander Pavlyshyn.
The drama “Ghosts” by the great Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen was written in the autumn of 1881.
The work is dedicated to the tragedy of the breakup of a family, the existence of which is built on a lie: a seemingly prosperous marriage turns out to be absolutely rotten in its essence. However, the invisible becomes visible. The past, like ghosts, overtakes the main characters. Speaking of the name – there is no mysticism here, as one might think at first. Ghosts settle only in the head. Everyone has it. ” All sorts of obsolete concepts, beliefs, and the like… ”- this is how the main character Elena, the widow of chamberlain Alving, explains it.
In the 19th century, the drama “Ghosts” stirred up a storm of emotions among readers. The topics of venereal disease and adultery caused indignation. It is not customary to talk about such topics in society. However, if you dig deeper, the drama is not so much about this, but about the “undercurrents” of the human soul. It was only after many years of censorship that the play began to appear in theaters around the world.
Let’s return to the small stage of the Tver Drama Theatre. Muted light, disturbing music, plunging into the gloomy atmosphere of dampness and rain. The tangle of destinies of Ibsen’s heroes begins to be tied. The action takes place in the house of Mrs. Alving. The space is filled with paintings, canvases, paints – the viewer involuntarily feels himself a part of the creative act. More than once, on a large canvas, the characters of the performance will express their emotions, conveying certain meanings. The approach to the design of the scene is unusual: external chaos is forced in the course of events. Both music and light will complement this feeling.
Regina Engstrand (actor Ekaterina Yurkova), who lives in the Alvings’ house, effectively appears on the stage. She quarrels with her drinking father, carpenter Engstrand (honored art. Valentin Kulagin). The theme of family relationships is the main one in Ghosts. Lies, betrayals, attempts to atone for sins envelop the heroes of the play.
Mrs. Helena Alving (actor Daria Plavinskaya) is going to open a shelter in memory of her husband using the accumulated funds. On this occasion, pastor Manders (act. Alexei Maisky) arrives from the city, and on the same day the son of the Alvings, Oswald (act. Nikita Bakhmetiev), an artist who lived in Paris for many years, returns to his home.
Gradually, a mosaic of intricate life stories of the characters begins to take shape. One sin breeds another. Once Elena Alving made a big mistake – she lied, obeying the “dictations of walking morality”, the advice of pastor Manders. Having learned about the betrayal of a dissolute husband, she not only did not leave him, but subsequently gave birth to a sick child who inherited a fatal disease from her father. Due to the fact that the heroine did not listen to her inner voice and went to deception, Oswald was punished for the sins of his parents. A bitter present stems from a false past. Oswald is doomed to die. ” I didn’t ask you for life , says Oswald.
– And what kind of life did you give me? I don’t need her! Take it back! » Storm of feelings. Actions, words, details – all this I want to think over, rethink, understand.
The conflict of the play is the collision of a free person with generally accepted morality, which contradicts the inner voice and true morality. Wake up from a false dream or succumb to the general flow? What choice will the heroes of Henrik Ibsen’s drama make? There are no right or wrong answers, as well as heroes and their actions – life is shown as it is: multifaceted and ambiguous.
Not only in terms of meaning, but also on a sensual level, the production of “Ghosts” recharges. Cold everyday life sometimes drags you into a routine, muffles the richness of feelings. Plunging into a storm of emotions, colors, sensations, as if you are “turning on” in the flow of life. Of course, this is the result of the internal work of both parties. The theater is able to turn the soul inside out, look into its remote corners, shake the “skeletons in the closet” and let in a feeling of renewal and .
