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Governor Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Bill to Expand Tasting Rooms, Supporting Michigan's Microbreweries and Craft Distilleries

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

June 3, 2021  

Contact: press@michigan.gov  

  

Governor Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Bill to Expand Tasting Rooms, Supporting Michigan's Microbreweries and Craft Distilleries  

 

LANSING, Mich. --?Today, Governor Whitmer signed Senate Bill 49, which will enable small distillers, wine makers, and microbreweries to have an on-premise and off-premise tasting room permithelping our small businesses grow and supporting the economy.  

 

"Michigan is home to some of the best microbreweries and craft distillers in the country, and this bill make it easier for these businesses to create and operate tasting rooms," said?Governor Whitmer. "I'm proud that this bipartisan bill will make it more convenient for Michiganders to sample fine spirits and delicious micro-brews, while also creating jobs and helping grow our small businesses and economy faster."   

 

"Michigan is renowned for its craft beverage industry, contributing billions to our state's economy and employing tens of thousands of hardworking men and women, including many in our state's great southwest region," said Sen. Kim LaSata, R-Coloma, who sponsored Senate Bill 49. "At this critical time when our state is getting back to work and with tourism on the rebound, ensuring our craft beverage producers have the ability to both sample and sell all of their creations in the same place is a simple, yet incredibly important fix to state law. I appreciate the strong bipartisan support this bill received to help this growing industry." 

 

"We are grateful for this legislation that will allow us to expand services to our customers after a very difficult year," said David Ringler, Director of Happiness Cedar Springs Brewing Company. "As a destination location in a small town it is key for us to be able to serve all of our product lines to our guests."     

 

The bill would amend the Michigan Liquor Control Code to allow a person to hold an on-premises tasting room permit and an off-premises tasting room license in conjunction at the same location under certain conditions. 

 

This bill was sponsored by Sen. Kim LaSataR-Coloma., and a copy of SB 49 can be found here.    

 

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