New appointment to the Utah Alcoholic Beverage Services Commission

Salt Lake City, UT – Falyn Owens, director of tourism for Garfield County, UT, is newly confirmed to serve on the Alcoholic Beverage Services (ABS) Commission. Owens was appointed by Governor Spencer Cox and confirmed by the Utah State Senate on October 16, 2024. She will participate in her first ABS Commission meeting this Thursday, October 31, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.

headshot of Falyn Owens
Falyn Owens was announced as the Utah DABS’ newest commissioner on October 31, 2024. (credit: Falyn Owens)

“Falyn Owens brings relevant experience to the Alcoholic Beverage Services Commission. A native of rural Utah, Falyn worked in the hospitality industry before transitioning to the public sector and tourism. I know she will bring a valuable perspective to the duties of the ABS Commission,” said Governor Spencer Cox.

Owens says she’s looking forward to serving on the Alcoholic Beverage Services Commission.

“I see first-hand the importance of both accommodating out-of-state visitors, including the restaurants and bars that serve them, and maintaining Utah’s public safety standards. I’m eager to participate in the ABS Commission and support a balanced approach to enforcing alcohol policy that adheres to health and safety standards while supporting hospitality and tourism,” said Owens.

Falyn Owens grew up in Panguitch, Utah where she attended high school and worked in the food service industry. Falyn later began her public service career, centered in Utah tourism. Since 2013, Owens has been executive director of the Garfield County Office of Tourism and currently holds that position. Owens has served on several boards including most recently as president of both the Utah Association Destination Marketing Organization and of the Southern Utah National Parks Advertising Coalition.

Owens is appointed to complete former ABS Commissioner Natalie Randall’s term through June 2025. Randall resigned from the board to begin a new position as the director of the Utah Office of Tourism. 

Falyn currently lives in Panguitch with her daughter. Owens biography is included below and her photo is attached.

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Biography
Falyn Owensis a tourism professional with a deep-rooted connection to rural Utah, born and raised in Panguitch. She began her career in the hospitality and service industry during high school, which paved the way for her current role as Tourism Director for Garfield County, a position she has held for over a decade. Falyn brings a valuable rural perspective combined with extensive experience in tourism management. She has previously served on the Utah State Parks board and is currently the chair of the Utah Association of Destination Marketing Organizations (UADMO), as well as an ex-officio member of the Utah Tourism Industry Association Board. Falyn resides in Panguitch with her daughter. 

Read more about the DABS Commission.