Associated Press - November 21, 2009 12:45 PM ET

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Utah has exhausted its quota of liquor licenses for full-service bars, but one may come available next month based on population growth.

Liquor-control commissioners turned away owners of 3 bars last week who were seeking to serve more than just beer.

One commissioner, Park City lawyer Gordon Strachan, said each of the applicants were deserving of a full liquor license.

Some of the bar owners said they had sunk their life savings into renovations hoping for a full liquor license.

Now they don't know how they can compete as a business.

Utah lawmakers tightened the population quota for so-called club licenses in 2008. It allows one full-service liquor club for every 7,850 residents.

Information from: The Salt Lake Tribune, http://www.sltrib.com

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