Can giving your downtown building a face lift qualify your business for a liquor license?
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EmailLegislation passed earlier this year qualifies more communities to take advantage of the Redevelopment Liquor License.
In 2007, the Michigan Legislature passed a new law allowing additional on premise liquor licenses in certain areas and under certain circumstances. This year that law was amended to allow these licenses in villages and townships, as well as cities. It also simplified the process. The law is intended to encourage the renovation of buildings and encourages the opening of new businesses in areas of disinvestment in a community.
In order to qualify for a license, there has to have been at least $200,000 of investment (public and/or private sector) in the redevelopment area and the business requesting the liquor license has to invest at least $75,000 into the building where the license will be held. The local unit of government has to pass a resolution approving the business for this type of license. There are other requirements, as well. Michigan State University Extension partner Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) has been busy putting this amendment to work to encourage redevelopment in Northern Michigan downtowns. Several communities are taking advantage of the recent amendment; anticipating redevelopment and the opening of new restaurants in their downtowns. To learn more about the Public Act and its details, visit the Michigan Legislative Website and search MCL Section: 436.1521a.
Michigan State University Extension has had a unique relationship with the regional economic development organization Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) for more than 20 years. Recognizing the strength of combining resources, this partnership focuses on economic development, entrepreneurship growth and community infrastructure throughout a four-county region in the northwest Lower Peninsula, specifically Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Emmet counties. As a result, the NLEA utilizes resources offered through MSU Extension as it provides leadership to state-wide programs sponsored by MSU Extension.
