The bill amends the Michigan Liquor Control Code of 1998, specifically section 533, to establish new criteria for issuing specially designated merchant licenses and transferring existing ones. It stipulates that applicants must be an approved type of business, meeting at least one of several specified conditions, such as holding a retail food establishment license or various types of hotel and club licenses. Additionally, the bill introduces a requirement for local legislative body approval for new license applications, while allowing for automatic renewal of existing licenses unless an objection is filed.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the quota system for issuing specially designated merchant licenses, allowing for waivers under certain conditions, such as the absence of existing licensees within a specified distance. It also clarifies that specially designated distributor licenses can be held in conjunction with certain other licenses and outlines the process for transferring licenses between local governmental units. The bill includes provisions for calculating license fees based on the total retail value of merchandise purchased under the relevant licenses.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 436.1533