The House Regulatory Reform committee passed out HB 4573 today.  As introduced, it would prorate liquor license fees for first-year licensees that are granted a license for less than a full year (prorated quarterly).  During a committee hearing last week, there was discussion (and a substitute that was adopted today to this effect) on changing the bill to make it an annual renewal of liquor licenses (instead of all happening at the same time each year), whether bought or transferred instead of a proration.  An initial concern raised was making sure our local communities were notified by Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) when a license was up for renewal so councils and law enforcement had ample time to review and ask for revocation if necessary from MLCC.  The substitute that was adopted and voted out of committee this morning does not contain any notice requirements.  We have been in discussion with the bill sponsor, chair of the committee and policy staff on this and the ability to offer an amendment on the floor to give locals notice.

That being said, there are discussions happening on moving the language in the legislation back to the original intent of prorating the fees for first-year licensees.  I will update the blog as this process moves forward.

Nikki Brown is a legislative associate for the League handling economic development and land use issues.  She can be reached at nbrown@mml.org or 517-908-0305.