Hello all,

On Monday afternoon the MLCC opened to the public what had previously been planned as a private workgroup.  I’m very happy to report that nearly 300 people called in to participate or listen in.

Unfortunately, due to technical shortcomings by the MLCC to properly manage settings on the conference call and participants failing to mute their lines, the workgroup was abruptly cut short.

Individuals and/or groups wishing to submit ideas and concerns to the MLCC regarding re-opening are now directed to write in to the MLCC.

Please send correspondence to KELLY HUNT via email: huntk2@michigan.gov

You can send us as many ideas as you’d like.  The goal is to devise and implement programs that will help on-premise licensees during current restrictions and throughout reopening. Please stress the need for LONG TERM AND PERMANENT CHANGES. The hospitality sector will be facing what for many will be insurmountable challenges during the coming months and years. We must do our best to support these businesses and give them a better chance at survival.

Here are a few suggestions written by Eric Farrell of The Bar at 327 Braun Ct, Ann Arbor:

•Free license renewal for those in good standing for (at least) the next year. This would be a no-effort influx of cash to the business and would eliminate an expense that coincides with another large annual expense of County Food License Renewal.  

 •Sell liquor at cost or at a greatly reduced price to on-premises establishments for (at least) the next year. This would allow current retail pricing to be maintained while generating profit at a faster rate.  

•Forgive the inventory buy-back loans. This would provide an instantaneous influx of cash-Audit as needed.                                                                

•Allow sale of sealed, packaged pre-made cocktails for consumption at home. Expand ability to sell take out beer and wine to licensees not currently permitted. Allow the sale of ALL inventory—Spirits included—by on-premise licensees. With social distancing as the norm for the foreseeable future, this will be an essential new revenue stream and vital to the safety of staff and patrons.

Feel free to elaborate on any of these ideas as they pertain to your business and include your own ideas. Prioritize your focus on whatever you feel is most important and would make the most positive impact.

The original goal of this letter was to petition the Governor to allow for the safe sale of liquor for carry out and delivery by licensed on-premise establishments through an executive order. While this remains the main focus, it’s clear the issues facing bars and restaurants are multi-faceted and broad. The MLCC has been gracious enough to bring us in to the reopening conversation but is still standing in the way of this particular request and has not assisted in facilitating support of our efforts at the legislative level.

As small business owners, patrons of these businesses, and citizens of Michigan we urge you to continue to engage with your local leaders who may have connections to the Governor’s office. We will do the same. At this point only the Governor can make temporary changes to the law.

If you are already working with local or state reps please let me know where you are and what your plans are so we are all on the same page.

Take good care,

Robyn Cleveland

rcleveland@nordenspirits.com