Michigan Governor Signs Law Allowing Liquor Sales at Three Metro Detroit Colleges
Macomb Community College, Wayne County Community College, and Schoolcraft College gained new rights under the legislation.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed bills Tuesday that will let three Metro Detroit community colleges sell liquor in certain campus areas. Macomb Community College, Wayne County Community College, and Schoolcraft College gained new rights under the legislation.
Macomb Community College and Wayne County Community College can now sell liquor in event spaces without getting daily permits. The law covers the Expo Center Complex and John Lewis Student Community Center at Macomb Community College. It also covers the Wayne County Community College District Culinary Arts and Hospitality Center.
Macomb Community College had to get a daily pass for liquor sales at event venues under the old rules. "Macomb Community College is a gathering space for big events," state Rep. Joseph Aragona said in a statement Tuesday according to The Detroit News. "Under the current rules, they can get a permit to serve alcohol for special functions, but it's a hassle."
The new law authorizes the Michigan Liquor Control Commission to issue a license for liquor sales at a restaurant on land owned by Schoolcraft College. This applies inside or next to a grocery store. The measure will help culinary students studying brewing and distillation. It enables a planned partnership between the school and Nino Salvaggio's to build a marketplace on campus, according to a House Fiscal Agency analysis.
"Schoolcraft is the culinary capital of not just our community, but the entire region," State Rep. Matt Koleszar said on social media Wednesday. "This legislation allows students more real world experience as they prepare for after school."
State Rep. Rylee Linting helped sponsor the Schoolcraft College bills. Koleszar, a Plymouth Democrat, also sponsored the measures.
All of the bills passed by wide bipartisan margins through the Republican-led House and the Democratic-led Senate.
Whitmer signed two other bills Tuesday that make changes to Michigan's liquor laws. One allows college-branded alcohol packaging and advertising.
