What Coloma State Senator Kim LaSata began, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has completed, much to the satisfaction of tasting room operators, microbreweries and craft distillers all around Michigan.
Today, the governor signed LaSata’s Senate Bill #49, which will enable small distillers, wine makers, and microbreweries to have an on-premise and off-premise tasting room permit, helping small businesses grow and supporting the economy.
The governor says, “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,” while adding, “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.”
As sponsor of the legislation, Sen. LaSata says, “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,” and adds, “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.”
David Ringler, Director of Happiness Cedar Springs Brewing Company was one of the first to respond, saying, “We are grateful for this legislation that will allow us to expand services to our customers after a very difficult year,” and adds, “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 amends 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.
The photo of the Round Barn Filling Station off of I-94 in Coloma accompanying this story on Moody on the Market is courtesy of Moersch Hospitality Group, owners and operators of the Round Barn Filling Station.
