CONFERENCE CENTER LIQUOR LICENSE                                                H.B. 4912 (H-1):

                                                                                                    SUMMARY OF BILL

                                                                                     REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

House Bill 4912 (Substitute H-1 as reported without amendment)

Sponsor:  Representative Roger Hauck

House Committee:  Regulatory Reform

                             Ways and Means

Senate Committee:  Regulatory Reform

CONTENT

The bill would amend the Michigan Liquor Control Code to revise and add the names of certain buildings that are considered "conference centers" for purposes of the Code, and to allow the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) to issue a license to a private entity for the sale of alcoholic liquor for consumption on the licensed premises of a restaurant located on land owned by Western Michigan University under certain circumstances.

The Code allows the MLCC to issue to the governing board of a college or university a license to sell alcoholic liquor for consumption on the premises of a conference center operated by the governing board. These licenses may be used only for the sale of alcoholic liquor at regularly scheduled conference center activities.

The Code specifies that certain buildings are considered conference centers for the Code's purposes, including the Bernhard Center at Western Michigan University. The bill, instead, would refer to the student center with the name designated by the governing board of Western Michigan University.

Additionally, the John G. Kulhavi Events Center at Central Michigan University would be considered a conference center for the Code's purposes.

Also, under the bill, subject to Section 531, the MLCC could issue a license to a private entity for the sale of alcoholic liquor for consumption on the licensed premises of a restaurant located on land owned by Western Michigan University if both of the following circumstances existed:

-- The land was leased or subleased at fair market value to a private entity that owned, leased, or subleased the licensed premises for the operation of a restaurant.

-- The restaurant was located within an area designated industrial, research, or commercial development by the governing board of Western Michigan University.

MCL 436.1513                                                        Legislative Analyst:  Drew Krogulecki

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have no significant fiscal impact on State or local government. Although the bill would allow a license to be granted to additional entities, the small number of prospective licensees would not result in substantial changes to revenue or costs.

Date Completed:  12-10-19                                      Fiscal Analyst:  Elizabeth Raczkowski

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.