Bill > SB0624

This bill amends the Michigan Liquor Control Code to require local legislative body approval for new or transferred specially designated merchant (SDM) and specially designated distributor (SDD) liquor licenses. Under the proposed changes, an applicant must obtain approval from the local legislative body in their business location before the state liquor commission can grant a new or transferred license. For license renewals, local legislative body approval is not required if no objection is filed 30 days before the license expires. The bill mandates that the liquor commission provide local legislative bodies and police chiefs with detailed applicant contact information to facilitate local review of license applications. If a local legislative body determines after a proper hearing that a licensee is unsuitable, the commission must revoke the license. This provision adds an additional layer of local government oversight to the process of obtaining liquor licenses, giving local authorities more input into which businesses can sell alcohol in their jurisdictions. The bill maintains existing provisions about license quotas based on population and types of businesses eligible for SDM and SDD licenses.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-SB-0624