Alliance Advocates for Bars & Restaurants

The Michigan Liquor Control Commission recently announced they wanted feedback from bars and restaurants on how we could support this industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. The commission has also formed a task force to explore the feedback and suggestions. The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance formally submitted feedback and is eager to be included in conversations of the task force. Requests and feedback provided to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission included:

• Allow for Michigan Small Distillers to conduct direct-to-consumer sales and shipping.
• Allow for Class-C licensees to sell sealed, to-go mixed spirit drinks in a similar fashion to what is allowed under an SDM and/or Brewpub license (e.g., growlers of beer, cans of cider, and bottles of wine).
• Further extend the delay in liquor license fees so that businesses may maintain their capital for operating functions.
• Allow for expanded outdoor seating so that bars and restaurants may utilize outdoor areas, including parking lots, to socially distance customers.
• Allow bars and restaurants with an existing liquor license to open an additional bar in these expanded spaces.
• Allow for golf courses to operate beverage carts and bar service with social distancing and other appropriate protocols in place.
• The Commission to provide guidance for anti-COVID-19 protocols (social distancing, cleaning procedures, etc.) to licensees to ensure adherence to the Michigan Economic Recovery Council’s metrics for assessing business risk.

The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance will continue to advocate for solutions that honor our rural way of life and businesses.