A Utah resident has been barred from changing his license plate to "MERLOT" by the state Tax Commission, UPI reported March 18.

The commission rejected the vanity plate application because the word was linked to intoxicants. In a previous case, the panel rejected a resident's application for a "CHIANTI" license plate.

Glenn Eurick of Green River said he wanted the "merlot" plate to refer to the color of his car, not the wine, saying that most Utah residents wouldn't even recognize the alcohol reference. He said he would appeal the ruling. "But if we lose, I'll suggest 'no merlot,'" he added. "That way no one can say I'm promoting anything alcoholic."