The Michigan legislature has made a priority of increasing access to alcohol sales for businesses this year. Swim-up bars are now legal. The age of a restaurant or bar server who can sell alcohol has been lowered, and now, bar and restaurant patrons can serve themselves from table-top and wall-mounted taps using pre-paid key cards.
The new law, sponsored by Senator Jim Runestad, a White Lake Republican, amends the Michigan Liquor Control Code to allow for the new technology.
Runestad said, “Michigan has one of the largest craft beer industries in the country and this bill will improve safety for Michigan consumers and our hospitality industry.”
Runestad continued, “Michigan can now join 45 other states that currently allow said self-dispensing technology as an option for busy establishments. The technology adds additional safety measures to limit and track the amount each individual consumes and reduces the touches on each individual glass.
Penalties are in place for serving minors or those visibly intoxicated, as stipulated in the Liquor Control Code.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
