Michigan House panel gives the go-ahead to outdoor drinking districts plan

Michigan’s House Regulatory Reform Committee has given its approval to a plan that could help rescue the state’s struggling bars and restaurants.

The package of bills would allow the businesses to sell alcoholic beverages to-go. They also would create “social districts” where a customer could buy a cocktail and then carry it outdoors as long as they stay within the district boundaries.

The bills still have to pass the full House of Representatives and be reconciled with Senate versions before they could be signed into law.

You can read House Bill 5781 proposing “social districts” here.

You can read House Bill 5811 proposing to-go alcohol sales here.