In the spirit of liberation and economic rejuvenation, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer enacted several pivotal laws on Wednesday, demonstrating a forward-thinking perspective on issues that hit home for many Michiganders.
One of the bills will allow public universities in the state to finally tap into the lucrative stream of alcohol sales during sports events. A longstanding state law that barred alcohol sales at such gatherings has been officially ousted. Michigan State University and the University of Michigan, pillars of Big 10 athletics, had previously been denied this potential source of revenue.
“Authorizing the legal sale of alcohol at sporting events will bring us on equal footing with other universities, help reduce the likelihood of binge drinking before games, and bring in a heck of a lot more revenue that we can use to improve the student experience,” Whitmer said in a statement released by her office. “I am proud that we are getting this done and making fall evenings at the Spartan Stadium or the Big House safer and more fun.”
Comparatively, the financial impact of this law can be seen in fellow Big 10 schools like Ohio State University and the University of Minnesota, which net between $1 million and $1.5 million annually from such sales, as reported by the Michigan Senate Fiscal Agency. This shift in legislation is not only poised to inject financial vitality into Michigan’s public universities but may also enhance the game-day experience for fans who enjoy sipping their favorite drinks while supporting their teams.
In addition to this game-changer, Whitmer has made permanent the rules that permit bars and restaurants to sell alcoholic beverages to go – a relief strategy originally implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. The governor cited the absence of liquor law violations or related issues under these temporary rules as a rationale for making the policy permanent. This action undoubtedly offers a crucial lifeline for Michigan’s hospitality sector, which had suffered significant losses due to pandemic-related restrictions.
