Legislative Analysis
Phone: (517) 373-8080
ELIMINATE “COCKTAILS TO GO” SUNSET
http://www.house.mi.gov/hfa
Senate Bill 141 as reported from House committee
Analysis available at
Sponsor: Sen. Mallory McMorrow http://www.legislature.mi.gov
House Committee: Regulatory Reform
Senate Committee: Regulatory Affairs
Complete to 6-13-23 (Enacted as Public Act 95 of 2023)
SUMMARY:
Senate Bill 141 would amend the Michigan Liquor Control Code to eliminate the sunset
(expiration date) on a provision allowing certain retailers to sell fill and sell a container with
alcoholic liquor for consumption off the licensed premises and deliver the container to a
consumer in Michigan under certain conditions, commonly referred to as “cocktails to go.”
Currently, the provision allowing the sale of “cocktails to go” is slated to sunset after January 1,
2026. The bill would eliminate the sunset date and allow the sale of “cocktails to go” in
perpetuity.
MCL 436.1537a
BACKGROUND AND BRIEF DISCUSSION:
The sale of “cocktails to go” was first allowed in Michigan during the COVID-19 pandemic as
a way to support businesses during times when dining rooms were closed or limited. The
original sunset was later extended from 2024 to 2026. Supporters of the proposal argue that
“cocktails to go” has become a core and valuable part of business for Michigan restaurants and
should thus be allowed to continue. They also point to the 32 other states that have extended
their sunsets for, or permanently allowed, the sale of “cocktails to go.”
Opponents of the proposal argue that increasing the accessibility of alcohol will lead to an
increase in alcohol-related issues. They point to the period after 2020 when “cocktails to go”
and other COVID-19 era policies that increased alcohol availability led to a rise in alcohol-
related issues, including alcohol dependency disorder and driving under the influence.
The bill is identical to House Bill 4201 as passed by the House of Representatives.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Senate Bill 141 would not have a fiscal impact on the state or local government units, as
qualified licensees affected by the bill are already required to possess a license issued under
the Michigan Liquor Control Code.
POSITIONS:
The following entities indicated support for the bill:
• Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (5-23-23)
• Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (5-23-23)
• Michigan Licensed Beverage Association (5-23-23)
House Fiscal Agency Page 1 of 2
 • Michigan Chamber of Commerce (6-13-23)
• Michigan Spirits Association (5-23-23)
• Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (5-23-23)
Michigan Alcohol Policy Promoting Health and Safety indicated opposition to the bill.
(5-23-23)
Legislative Analyst: Alex Stegbauer
Fiscal Analyst: Marcus Coffin
■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their
deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.
House Fiscal Agency SB 141 as reported from House committee Page 2 of 2


Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 436.1537
As Passed by the Senate: 436.1537
As Passed by the House: 436.1537
Public Act: 436.1537
Senate Enrolled Bill: 436.1537