DELTA COLLEGE LIQUOR LICENSE - S.B. 1341: FIRST ANALYSIS
Senate Bill 1341 (as enrolled)
Sponsor: Senator Bill Schuette
Committee: Economic Development, International Trade and Regulatory Affairs
Date Completed: 9-22-00
RATIONALE
Under the Michigan Liquor Control Code, the Liquor Control Commission generally is prohibited from issuing a license that would allow the sale of liquor on State land. The Code makes exceptions to this restriction, including authority for the Commission to issue a license to a college or university governing board for the sale of liquor for on-premises consumption at conference centers. Such a license may be issued without regard to the Code's quota restrictions, and may be used only for the sale of alcoholic liquor at regularly scheduled conference center activities. The exception applies only to specific conference centers named in the Code, including the Bernhard Center at Western Michigan University, the McGregor Memorial Conference Center at Wayne State University, the Mendel Center at Lake Michigan Community College, and the Wadsworth Center at Michigan Technological University. Apparently, Delta College, located in University Center, Michigan, has refurbished a farmhouse on its campus and plans to use the building for special events, as well as college and community meetings. It has been suggested that this facility, known as the Farmhouse, also should be allowed to obtain a liquor license.
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Liquor Control Code to permit the Liquor Control Commission to issue a license to the governing board of Delta College, which would allow the sale of liquor for on-premises consumption at the Farmhouse at Delta College.
MCL 436.1513
ARGUMENTS
(Please note: The arguments contained in this analysis originate from sources outside the Senate Fiscal Agency. The Senate Fiscal Agency neither supports nor opposes legislation.)
Supporting Argument
Delta College is a public community college serving Bay, Midland, and Saginaw Counties, as well as a number of surrounding counties that are not part of a community college district. With local foundation and business support, the college recently completed the renovation of the 120-year-old Farmhouse, which had housed the college's former president until his retirement in 1995. The refurbished Farmhouse will be a place to promote special programs and activities, and to host guests and visitors to the college. The Farmhouse also will be used for small conferences and meetings, where representatives of the tricounty area can come together to discuss common issues. Allowing Delta College to obtain a liquor license for the Farmhouse would enhance the capacity of this facility to provide a unique meeting space for the college and its community.
- Legislative Analyst: S. Lowe
FISCAL IMPACT
The impact of this bill would be revenue neutral for the State as any revenue generated from the additional license would offset any additional costs associated with the increased licensing responsibility. The local unit of government would see 55% of this license fee and any renewal pursuant to the statute.
- Fiscal Analyst: M. TyszkiewiczA9900\s1341a
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.