SALT LAKE CITY (Associated Press) -- A group of bar, restaurant and ski resort owners are recommending more flexibility in Utah's liquor regulations.

Epic Brewing owner David Cole says the current laws discourage innovation and hurt the state's image.

Cole says strict regulations forced him to build his Salt Lake City microbrewery before a brewing license would be issued.

Cole is part of a 10-person committee focused on management and oversight issues at the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Lawmakers are expected to make significant changes to the DABC during this year's session, which began Monday.

Democratic leaders in the Legislature organized the committee in November.

Committee members are opposing the privatization of liquor stores. They are calling for more money to educate people about the dangers of underage drinking and drunken driving.