Utah officials have opened an investigation into a Salt Lake City bar over its “No Zionists Allowed” policy.
The Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services said it contacted the office of Attorney General Sean Reyes “so they may conduct an investigation on whether the business is violating discrimination laws” after the Weathered Waves Bar unveiled its anti-Israel stance.
“At the same time, the department is reviewing its statutory obligations and legal options for responding to discrimination at DABS licensed establishments,” the agency said in a statement. “Again, the department takes allegations of discrimination seriously.”
Weathered Waves touched off an uproar after on Monday posting its “No Zionists Allowed” policy, which also includes “No Nazis,” “No Transphobes” and “No Racists.”
“As many are, we are horrified by the ongoing genocide in Gaza and are even more horrified to see so many Americans ignore and rationalize ethnic cleansing,” the bar’s post said. “That is why we are pleased to announce we are banning all zionists forever from our establishments.”
Weathered Waves, part of the Six Sailor Cider company owned by Michael Valentine, swung back by accusing the state agency of “defamation and slander.” The bar also sought to draw a distinction between anti-Zionism and antisemitism.
“’Zionism’ is not a protected class, it’s an ideology,” Weathered Waves said in a Wednesday post. “The same way ‘white supremacy’ and ‘transphobia’ are. Protected classes are race, sex, age, religion, national origin, ethnicity, disability, genetic information and veteran status. Zionism is none of those things.”
Not buying the distinction was the United Jewish Federation of Utah, which condemned the bar’s “biased policy” and said it has alerted federal, state and local authorities.
“In the guise of Anti-Zionist rhetoric, this business owner is demonizing those who believe in the right of existence of a Jewish state as well as applying a double standard to Israel and our community,” the federation said. “The results of these acts have led to direct threats upon members of our community.”
The organization noted that the State Department, Anti-Defamation League and others “recognize that anti-Zionist rhetoric is often used in the context of antisemitic acts.”
Weathered Waves received its bar license on Feb. 29 and opened the next day, according to the Salt Lake Tribune.
Mr. Valentine, a former independent mayoral candidate, told the newspaper that the establishment has received a flood of threats since posting the “No Zionists” policy, including a threat to burn down the bar that he reported to police.
The bar’s Instagram account drew numerous comments on both sides of the issue, including “love this” and “shame on you.”
Several commenters asked how the bar planned to distinguish between Jewish and Zionist customers.
Others pointed to the irony of banning Zionists in Utah, which is the home of Zion National Park and Zion Canyon. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints frequently uses “Zion” to refer to its community.
As one commenter put it: “Isn’t Utah the Land of Zion?”
• Valerie Richardson can be reached at vrichardson@washingtontimes.com.