Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes to-go and delivery sales of cocktails in response to Michigan's COVID-19 economic recovery plan.

Highlights:

• Authorizes off-premises retail licensees to sell to on-premises retail licensees up to 120 liters of spirits during any 12-month period, and vice versa (Sec. 205).

• Authorizes on-premises licensees to fill and sell qualified containers with beer, wine, mixed spirit drink, mixed drink, or spirits for consumption off the premises under the following conditions (Sec. 537a):

• The on-premises licensee or their agent or employee does not fill a qualified container in advance of the sale;

• The on-premises licensee complies with all applicable rules established by the Michigan Liquor Commission; and

• The on-premises licensee or their agent seals the qualified container.

• Authorizes on-premises licensees to deliver beer, wine, mixed spirit drink, mixed drink, or spirits under the following conditions (Sec. 537a):

• The licensee complies with all appropriate state laws;

• The licensee stamps, prints, or labels on the qualified container “Contains Alcohol. Must be delivered to a person 21 years of age or older”;

• The licensee seals the qualified container; and

• The licensee does not allow a straw hole in the qualified container.

• Authorizes licensees to create an outdoor service area and add seating to that area per consent from the Michigan Liquor Commission until December 31, 2021 (Sec. 538). 

• Authorizes licensees to add a bar without consent from the Liquor Commission (Sec. 538). 

• Authorizes the governing body of a local government unit to designate a social district that contains a common area that may be used by licensees that obtain a social district permit, under the following guidelines (Sec. 551):

• The governing body must define and clearly mark the common area with signs;

• The governing body establishes local management and maintenance plans, including but not limited to hours of operation and submit those plans to the Liquor Commission; and

• The governing body must maintain the common area in a manner that protects the health and safety of the community.

• Authorizes the governing body to revoke the designation of a commons area if it determines that the area threatens the health, safety or welfare of the public or has become a public nuisance (Sec. 551).

• Establishes a social district permit at the cost of $250 for businesses adjacent to one (Sec. 551).

Full Bill Text