LANSING, Mich., Nov. 12, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A new alcoholic beverage law which would permit expanded hours for the sale of beer, wine and liquor at convenience stores, restaurants, taverns and catering halls will begin generating extra sales.

When the new law is implemented, beverage dealers will be able to expand their hours to sell beer, wine and liquor in Michigan with the recent sweeping passage of a bill by both the State House and Senate.  It is a measure sought by the beverage industry for several years.

According to Ed Deeb, president of the Michigan Food and Beverage Association (MFBA), the state's largest industry organization with more than 3,500 members, the state is expected to generate an estimated $75 million in additional license fees from dealers who would be able to sell beer, wine and spirits on Sunday mornings, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The cost of the extra license needed is $160.00.    

"Current laws prohibit the sale of alcoholic beverages until noon on Sundays," Deeb said.  With the passage of this new law, beer, wine and liquor sales could begin at 7 a.m.  In addition, the bill would permit the following changes:

• Food and alcoholic beverage stores will be able to offer two free samples of beer and wine, but no more than three samples of two ounces each.  
• Restaurants and taverns will be able to offer their customers two free samples of beer or wine per customer so they can taste before they purchase a glass or pitcher.
• Wineries which were prohibited from charging customers for tasting their products, will now be able to charge customers for tastings.
• Samplings of beer and wine products in food stores, formerly prohibited, will help increase sales.  "Our industry is elated with the proposed changes.  We have been urging this for years," Deeb said.
• Dealers who pay the extra license fee of $160 annually will be able to sell alcoholic beverages at 7 a.m. on Sunday mornings and Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  Presently the current law prohibits sales before noon on Sundays and after 9 p.m. Christmas Eve and all day on Christmas Day.

Deeb said the new law would help reduce the state deficit heading into the new year 2011.

Based in Warren, Mich., the MFBA is the largest business organization of small to medium-sized businesses in Michigan, representing more than 3,500  members who employ over 40,000 persons. Members include retailers, wholesalers, convenient stores, manufacturers and brokers. Member businesses receive numerous benefits including free legal and financial consultations; discounted technology, automotive and office products; employee training and recruitment assistance; and competitive insurance rates. The MFBA  is a sister association to the Michigan Business and Professional Association (MBPA).

SOURCE Michigan Food and Beverage Association

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