186 minors cited in Utah bar sting

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Over 180 citations were issued to minors for being inside a Salt Lake City bar following an investigation into concerns of "serious violations" of Utah's alcohol laws.

The Utah Department of Public Safety said the extensive investigation lasted several months and included allegations of underage drinking and over-service at the Sugar House Pub, located in Salt Lake City's Sugar House area.

The investigation was reportedly sparked by multiple DUI arrests linked to the bar earlier in the year.

Agents with the State Bureau of Investigation reportedly gathered evidence over several months culminating in a four-hour operation on Nov. 22. That operation resulted in 186 criminal citations issued to minors in the bar and at least 50 fake IDs being confiscated. DPS said six patrons inside the bar at the time of the operation were 17 years old.

"This operation marks a significant turning point in alcohol enforcement for our state," said Commissioner Jess L. Anderson. "The dedication and professionalism of our State Bureau of Investigation and their partners have established a new standard for public safety."

Investigators referred the Sugar House Pub to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services for administrative action. As of Dec. 1, the DABS database shows Sugar House Pub's bar license is still active.

ABC4 reached out to Sugar House Pub with a request for comment and has yet to hear back at the time of publication. This story will be updated, should the bar respond.