Several bills were signed into law this week, with two expanding how alcohol can be sold to consumers.
House Bill 4232 lowers the legal age for those who can serve alcohol in restaurants to seventeen. Lawmakers say the new law is meant to “expand the workforce” for restaurants and other businesses that serve alcohol and are having trouble finding workers.
Michigan Licensed Beverage Association Executive Director Scott Ellis said, “While this is a big win for our entire industry, I know our businesses in northern Michigan and other tourist areas will benefit tremendously from the signing of this bill.”
House Bills 5983 and 5984 allow for eating and drinking in public swimming pools and for swim-up bars. According to the Office of Gretchen Governor Whitmer, the bills are meant to “maximize business heading into a Pure Michigan summer”.
The swim-up bar legislation was applauded by the Zehnder family of Frankenmuth who owns the Bavarian Inn Lodge, which has a large water park onsite. State Representative Rodney Wakeman of Frankenmuth introduced Bill 5984.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
