SALT LAKE CITY (ABC 4 News) - Our booze battle is over the hottest video in Utah.
It shows the DABC's two top bosses trading verbal shots.
But because it happened in a closed meeting, the public still can’t see it.
Tuesday, for the third time, ABC 4 again asked the DABC to release the video of that September 15th closed door meeting.
I told the commission,
"The public expects me to be its eyes, ears and, upon occasion its voice."
To which the DABC Chairman responded,
"A panel of three attorneys in the attorney generals office did review it and I think they told you, in their opinion, the meeting was closed appropriately."
But while the attorney general’s office continues to tell ABC 4 we can take the matter to court, Tuesday we argued,
"You are telling the public no. You are telling the public it can go to court. You are telling the public - it's none of your business."
But ABC 4 and the public now appear to be - in the words of Charlie Sheen – “winning.”
Francine Giani, the DABC Executive Director, said she's seen the closed door video and doesn't oppose its release,
"I did watch it and I feel comfortable with the way I conducted myself."
And the DABC's newest Commissioner, Connie White, went a step further.
She said the meeting shouldn't have been closed in the first place,
"I think the meeting should have been kept open."
But Chairman Sperry admitted to ABC 4 there's been tension with Giani.
The videotape is believed to show the two of them having a fierce, in your face debate.
This may explain why Sperry continues to fight the video’s release,
"Unless a judge orders me to do so, I have a personal, ethical problem of doing that."
But thanks to Commissioner White, the DABC Commission will now formally review ABC 4’s request.
It doesn't mean the video will be released, but for one day, it may be enough to lift the public's, well, spirits.
Follow Chris Vanocur on Twitter: @cvan4
