Utah liquor officials said “no" two months ago, when Salt Lake City’s Heart & Seoul Karaoke applied for a license to serve beer.
On Tuesday, the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control commission — just like it did last month with a Utah ax-throwing company — changed its mind.
The reason? The addition of pool tables.
Heart & Seoul, located at 67 W. 100 South, recently added two pool tables, and placed signs at the front door and reception desk to let customers know that billiards is available, co-owner Brody Horton, told the commission. “We are now a karaoke and billiards hall."
Horton and business partner Matt Smith took a cue from the owners of Social Axe, which also was denied a beer license in April because ax-throwing was not listed as a recreational amenity in a new liquor law passed by the Utah Legislature.
Bowling alleys, golf courses, pool halls, ski resorts and government-owned concert venues, are specifically listed in the law. Karaoke and ax throwing are not.
To get around the law, Social Axe add pool tables.
With its recreational beer license from the DABC, Heart & Seoul now can serve beer that is 4 percent by volume (or 3.2 percent by weight) to those 21 and older. Those who want alcohol at Heart & Seoul will have to show proper identification and get a wristband, Horton said, noting that there is a limit of three beers per customer.
