Utah Bar's 'No Zionists Allowed' Policy Under Investigation for Discrimination

The controversial stance by Weathered Waves, owned by ex-mayoral candidate Michael Valentine, has ignited accusations of antisemitism and sparked a state investigation.

A Salt Lake City bar, Weathered Waves, owned by former mayoral candidate Michael Valentine, has implemented a 'No Zionists allowed' policy, sparking widespread controversy and accusations of antisemitism.
The Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services has requested the state Attorney General's Office to investigate the bar for potential discrimination law violations.
Critics argue the policy thinly veils antisemitism, as distinguishing between Zionists and Jews in practice may be impossible, while Valentine insists the policy is against hate speech, not Jews.
The bar has faced backlash, including threats and 'review bombing,' but Valentine remains firm on his stance, equating Zionism with hate speech akin to neo-Nazism.
The debate over whether anti-Zionism constitutes antisemitism continues, with significant portions of the Jewish community considering support for Israel an essential part of their identity.

The Salt Lake Tribune