cbleck@miningjournal.net
MARQUETTE Michigan businesses with liquor licenses would not have to pay on-premises liquor license fees this year and an on-premises spirits discount would be increased and extended under legislation approved by the Michigan Senate on Wednesday.
“Michigan’s bars and restaurants were hit hard by the state’s crushing response to the coronavirus,” Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Waucedah Township, said in a news statement.
McBroom sponsored Senate Bill 230.
“Through no fault of their own, most establishments spent most of the past year closed and their staff out of work,” McBroom said. “It doesn’t make any sense to further punish bars and restaurants with liquor license fees they can’t afford because they weren’t allowed to conduct business. This bill provides them needed relief at a time when they’re just getting back on their feet.”