Advocacy News – June 16, 2022
Every industry in the Great Lakes State and across the nation have experienced workforce shortages as a result from the Great Resignation, and workforce modernizations that were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Michigan’s hospitality industry is about to experience a rush of tourists for the summer season and will be clambering to ensure they have enough staff and fun activities for their customers. This past week, the governor signed legislation with bipartisan support designed to accomplish just that.
First, House Bill 4232 (Public Act 101’22) sponsored by Representative Michele Hoitenga, allows 17-year-old employees to serve alcohol at restaurants and bars across the state. This bill makes Michigan the second state in the nation to allow this service by employees 17 years old. According to the Michigan Licensed Beverage Association: “Due to safety concerns, amendments were made to the original bill, which limited 17-year-old service to on-premises locations only (bars, restaurants, social clubs). The bill also requires 17-year-olds who are serving to be under the supervision of someone 18 or older and they must successfully complete an alcohol server training course approved by the state (e.g. Techniques of Alcohol Management®).” This policy change will help restaurants and other establishments to keep and hire employees, allowing some relief for the summer season.
Additionally, House Bills 5983-5984 (Public Acts 99’22 and 100’22), sponsored by Representatives Rodney Wakeman and John Cherry, will allow for alcoholic service in certain public pools and water parks in the Great Lakes State, creating a new type of experience of swim-up bars. The new law requires these locations to have an on-duty lifeguard and safe-guard protections for drinks such as plastic, non-breakable containers.
For questions or more information on the above bills, please contact Leah Robinson at lrobinson@michamber.com.