Bill > HB5708

This bill expands the types of identification that can be used to verify a person's age when purchasing alcohol, aiming to make it easier for retailers to comply with laws preventing sales to minors. Specifically, it amends the Michigan Liquor Control Code of 1998 to broaden the definition of "diligent inquiry," which is the effort a seller must make to determine if a buyer is of legal age. Previously, acceptable forms of identification were limited to a Michigan driver's license, a Michigan personal identification card, a military ID, or other "bona fide documentary evidence." This bill adds a comprehensive list of other acceptable forms of identification, including driver's licenses and state IDs from other states, federal or military IDs, tribal IDs, local government-issued IDs, and even student IDs from educational institutions, as long as they are current and include a photo. It also allows for the use of secure identity verification devices that scan biometrics and authenticate identification electronically, provided certain conditions are met. The intent is to provide retailers with more options to ensure they are not selling alcohol to minors, while also offering a defense against penalties if they accept a valid form of identification from the expanded list.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2026-HB-5708