LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) and Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak) have introduced legislation to designate social districts which will allow for public consumption of alcohol, and allow bars and restaurants to offer curbside pickup and delivery of alcohol.
Sen. Irwin’s bill, Senate Bill 939, would make Michigan the 12th state to allow local municipalities to designate areas in which open containers of alcohol are permitted.
“I want our restaurants and bars to use every tool to survive this crisis,” Sen. Irwin said. “Allowing communities more flexibility to make local rules for beer and alcohol allows communities to reflect their values and their local public safety needs.”
Senate Bill 938, sponsored by Sen. McMorrow, would allow bars and restaurants to sell beer, wine, mixed spirit drinks or spirits for consumption via curbside or delivery.
“Restaurants typically make up to a third of their revenue from alcohol sales, and this bill will open up a critical tool to help our local bars and restaurants survive the long road ahead,” Sen. McMorrow said. “Residents could enjoy their favorite drink with their meal from the comfort of home, while restaurants and bars could increase their cash flow and, most importantly, keep staff employed.”
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