As previously reported on Natives, Salt Lake City and the state of Utah is still unsure of how to present itself in the run up the next year's Winter Olympic Games.

Local businessman Michael B. Witte claimed this week that "Utah is a tough sell...if you don't live here and you're looking in from the outside...you think that (we) are from Mars."

At the root of the problem, Witte said, was a sense that life in Utah is tied to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), which is headquartered in Salt Lake City.

Of particular concern, he added, are Utah's complex liquor laws. The state controls all alcohol sales and spirits by the glass are only available in some restaurants and private clubs.

"The issue is one of personal freedom,'' Witte said. ``And in today's sophisticated global economy, whether I choose to drink a glass of alcohol or not, I don't want someone telling me when and how.''

In response Salt Lake County Mayor Nancy Workman claimed "We're not from Mars. It's just getting that message out."

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