Salt Lake City - A new statement from Mormon church leaders is being viewed as positive sign by Utah politicians who want to make sweeping changes to state liquor laws.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints posted the statement Monday on its Web site.
It says church leaders believe Utah can write laws that allow for both individual choice and regulation of alcohol consumption for health and safety reasons.
The church counsels its members against drinking.
Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman has called for a change in state law to eliminate a requirement that makes bars private clubs that require a paid memberships. He says that will make Utah more tourist friendly.
