Legislative Analysis
Phone: (517) 373-8080
ELIMINATE “COCKTAILS TO GO” SUNSET
http://www.house.mi.gov/hfa
House Bill 4201 as reported from committee Analysis available at
Sponsor: Rep. Kristian Grant http://www.legislature.mi.gov
Committee: Regulatory Reform
Complete to 4-27-23
SUMMARY:
House Bill 4201 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 bill 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 bill 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.
FISCAL IMPACT:
House Bill 4201 would not have a fiscal impact on any units of state or local government.
Eliminating the sunset pertaining to filling and selling containers for off-premises consumption
and delivering to consumers would have no impact, since the qualified licensees must already
possess a license under the Michigan Liquor Control Code.
POSITIONS:
Representatives of the following entities testified in support of the bill (3-21-23):
• Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association
• Michigan Licensed Beverage Association
House Fiscal Agency Page 1 of 2
 The following entities indicated support for the bill:
• Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (3-21-23)
• Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce (4-11-23)
• Michigan Chamber of Commerce (4-11-23)
• Michigan Spirits Association (3-21-23)
• Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (3-21-23)
A representative of Michigan Alcohol Policy Promoting Health & Safety testified in opposition
to the bill. (3-21-23)
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 HB 4201 as reported Page 2 of 2


Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 436.1537
As Passed by the House: 436.1537