The bill amends the Michigan Liquor Control Code of 1998, specifically section 531, to establish a population-based quota for public licenses for the sale of alcoholic liquor, setting one license for every 1,500 residents. It allows for the transfer of escrowed licenses within local governmental units in the same or adjacent counties and introduces provisions for resort areas, permitting additional licenses without population limits. The commission is authorized to issue up to five resort economic development licenses annually for tourist-attracting establishments with significant capital investments. The bill also outlines licensing options for public universities, including tavern or class C licenses for events on university property, and special purpose licenses for artistic events.

Additionally, the bill modifies regulations for on-premises resort, resort economic development, and golf course resort licenses, stating that such licenses cannot be issued if all available on-premises licenses have not been issued or if an escrowed license is available in the local unit. It introduces a new category for golf course resort licenses, allowing the commission to issue up to five annually under specific criteria. The commission is not required to enforce certain administrative code requirements for these new licenses and must report annually to the legislature on issued licenses. The bill includes various insertions and deletions to clarify definitions and conditions for license issuance and transfer, ensuring compliance with local regulations.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 436.1531