The bill amends the Michigan Liquor Control Code of 1998, specifically section 701, to enhance regulations surrounding the sale of alcoholic liquor to minors. It establishes that individuals who knowingly sell or furnish alcohol to minors, or fail to verify the age of the individual, are guilty of a misdemeanor. Retail licensees and their employees face specific penalties, including civil infractions if the violation occurs during an undercover operation conducted by law enforcement. The bill also introduces stricter penalties for individuals who are not retail licensees if their actions lead to the death or serious injury of a minor due to alcohol consumption, classifying such violations as felonies.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of retail licensees and their employees in preventing minors from consuming alcohol on licensed premises. It specifies that licensees cannot be charged with violations unless they knew or should have known about the minor's possession or consumption of alcohol and failed to take corrective action. The bill also mandates the posting of signs detailing the penalties for violations and requires the commission to report annually on enforcement actions related to these violations. Furthermore, it updates the definition of "diligent inquiry" regarding age verification, expanding the types of acceptable identification that can be used to confirm an individual's age.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 436.1701