LIQUOR LICENSE FOR WMU-GRAND RAPIDS

House Bill 5153

Sponsor:  Rep. Robert Jones

Committee:  Regulatory Reform

Complete to 10-14-09

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5153 AS INTRODUCED 6-25-09

The bill would allow the downtown Grand Rapids campus of Western Michigan University to be eligible for an on-premise liquor license. 

In general, the Liquor Control Commission (LCC) cannot issue a liquor license of on-premise consumption to an establishment located on state-owned land, though there are some exceptions.  One exception is for conference centers operated by a governing board of a college or university.  Certain restrictions apply, such as a prohibition on selling liquor to unscheduled patrons or at unscheduled events.  Under Section 525 of the Liquor Control Code, conference center licenses are subject to an annual $600 license fee.

House Bill 5153 would amend the Liquor Control Code to include as a conference center eligible for an on-premise liquor license, the WMU downtown Grand Rapids campus.

MCL 436.1513

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would increase liquor license revenue by $600.  Of this amount, 41.5% ($249) would be retained by the LCC for licensing and enforcement, 55% ($300) would be returned to the local government for enforcement of liquor laws, and 3.5% ($21) would be used for alcohol abuse prevention programs. 

                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Mark Wolf

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.