LANSING – Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield) issued the following statement after the Senate passed his legislation today aimed at helping the spirits industry thrive in Michigan and continue to be competitive throughout the country:
“I’ve served as the top-ranking Democrat on both the House and Senate Regulatory Reform Committees, where we take up bills to regulate alcohol in Michigan in a way that protects consumers, provides a path for people to get into the industry, and sets up a framework for small businesses to thrive. Spirits provide about $450 million annually in revenue to the state, and these three bills will help Michiganders in this growing industry promote their products in a responsible way at regulated festivals and tasting events throughout the state.”
The legislation sponsored by Sen. Moss and passed by the Senate would:
- Allow a qualified spirits organization to hold up to six events a year to promote their brand’s suppliers and the state at a cost of $25 per day with a rebate of up to $10,000 for any unused or unopened liquor bought for the event (Senate Bill 586);
- Allow certain licensees to use brand logoed tents, trailers, temporary platforms or dispensing equipment at their events (Senate Bill 587); and,
- Allow certain retailers who sell liquor to accept returns of products purchased by special licensees (Senate Bill 588).
The bills were sent on to the House for further consideration.
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