Michigan Lawmakers Approve Legislation for Carry-Out Cocktails
Michigan lawmakers have approved legislation letting restaurants sell cocktails to go, a move the bar and restaurant industry hopes will help local businesses get through the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The three bills – House Bills 5781 and 5811 and Senate Bill 942 – passed in both chambers by an overwhelming margin. Now, the legislation will make its way to Governor Gretchen Whitmer to get final approval.
The bills combined would let liquor licensees sell packaged and sealed containers of mixed drinks with delivery or takeout orders.
Local governments would also be given the go ahead to mark designated “social districts” where people 21 and over could by purchase to-go drinks from adjacent bars and enjoy them off-site, so long as stay in the designated social district.
Senate Bill 942 would temporarily lower the expense of liquor prices from the state’s Liquor Control Commission. Liquor licensees would also receive a 30 percent discount from the state through 2021.