Press Release
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 27, 2020
Media Contacts:
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Emily Daunt
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (517) 377-3933 |
Leslie Pardo
Marx Layne & Company (248) 855-6777 |
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association Advocates for Industry Recovery, Increased Revenue Opportunity for Restaurants with Off-Premise Alcohol Sales
Would you like a cocktail with your carryout? Survey shows Michiganders say “yes” to liquor-to-go
Would you like a cocktail with your carryout? Survey shows Michiganders say “yes” to liquor-to-go
LANSING, MICH. – The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) today released research results tracking consumer sentiment about off-premise alcoholic beverage purchases. The data, which was localized to Michigan based upon a survey conducted by the National Restaurant Association, showed the vast majority of Michigan adults support a proposal that would allow customers to purchase cocktails or mixed drinks made with distilled spirits with their restaurant takeout and delivery food orders.
There currently are proposed bills in the Michigan House and Senate that would allow for food service or retail food establishments to fill and sell qualified containers with beer, wine, mixed spirit drink or spirits for off-premise consumption provided the business abides by all Michigan Liquor Control Commission regulations. The drinks must be sold in a qualified container marked with a label stating “Contains Alcohol. Must be delivered to a person 21 years of age or older.” The qualified container must be for off-premise consumption with a liquid capacity that does not exceed one gallon.
“We would like to thank Senators Irwin, Nesbitt and McMorrow and Representatives Webber and Anthony for their bipartisan efforts on the issue. This is proof that we truly are in this together. It is through collective efforts like this with shared purpose and dedication to finding creative solutions that will enable the hospitality industry and Michigan’s economy to thrive once again,” said Justin Winslow, President and CEO of the MRLA.
Currently in Michigan, beer and wine are permitted for sale for off-premise consumption. The bills would extend sales to include mixed cocktails and liquor. According to information obtained from the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, more than 30 states are already operating with some form of alcohol carryout and delivery from on-premise establishments like restaurants.
“The indefinite closure of Michigan’s economy in the majority of the state has had a crippling effect on restaurateurs with many being forced to permanently close without incoming customer revenue. Enabling restaurants to sell cocktails and spirits with takeout and delivery will incentivize customers to patronize local restaurants, thereby generating additional sales to help keep doors open and more employees on payroll,” said Winslow.
A large percentage of Michigan adults—78 percent—favor liquor-to-go from restaurants with the highest support from Millennials ages 24 to 39 (87 percent) and Gen X ages 40 to 55 (83 percent). Urban and surburan residents support this concept with 86 percent and 78 percent in favor, respectively. Seventy-two percent of rural residents also support the proposal.
Significant survey results include the following:
Both House Bill No. 5781 and Senate Bill No. 939, if passed, would allow municipalities to designate social districts where restaurant customers can consume purchased alcoholic beverages outside the four walls of the business.
“We stand by our statement—the hospitality industry is simply too big to fail in Michigan,” added Winslow. “While we are pleased that Regions 6 and 8 have begun to reopen, we need ways to support all of the 18,000 private businesses statewide for which the summer months is normally a boon to business. It’s a new normal in terms of business models for restaurants, and we need to throw them a lifeline. As our industry continues to find creative ways to generate revenue, authorizing liquor-to-go sales at restaurants is a step in the right direction.”
There currently are proposed bills in the Michigan House and Senate that would allow for food service or retail food establishments to fill and sell qualified containers with beer, wine, mixed spirit drink or spirits for off-premise consumption provided the business abides by all Michigan Liquor Control Commission regulations. The drinks must be sold in a qualified container marked with a label stating “Contains Alcohol. Must be delivered to a person 21 years of age or older.” The qualified container must be for off-premise consumption with a liquid capacity that does not exceed one gallon.
“We would like to thank Senators Irwin, Nesbitt and McMorrow and Representatives Webber and Anthony for their bipartisan efforts on the issue. This is proof that we truly are in this together. It is through collective efforts like this with shared purpose and dedication to finding creative solutions that will enable the hospitality industry and Michigan’s economy to thrive once again,” said Justin Winslow, President and CEO of the MRLA.
Currently in Michigan, beer and wine are permitted for sale for off-premise consumption. The bills would extend sales to include mixed cocktails and liquor. According to information obtained from the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, more than 30 states are already operating with some form of alcohol carryout and delivery from on-premise establishments like restaurants.
“The indefinite closure of Michigan’s economy in the majority of the state has had a crippling effect on restaurateurs with many being forced to permanently close without incoming customer revenue. Enabling restaurants to sell cocktails and spirits with takeout and delivery will incentivize customers to patronize local restaurants, thereby generating additional sales to help keep doors open and more employees on payroll,” said Winslow.
A large percentage of Michigan adults—78 percent—favor liquor-to-go from restaurants with the highest support from Millennials ages 24 to 39 (87 percent) and Gen X ages 40 to 55 (83 percent). Urban and surburan residents support this concept with 86 percent and 78 percent in favor, respectively. Seventy-two percent of rural residents also support the proposal.
Significant survey results include the following:
- Of the 78 percent of Michigan adults in favor, 34 percent strongly favor the proposal
- Only 8 percent of Michigan adults strongly oppose such a proposal
- Men and women were similarly in favor of a proposal with 79 percent and 76 percent in support, respectively
Both House Bill No. 5781 and Senate Bill No. 939, if passed, would allow municipalities to designate social districts where restaurant customers can consume purchased alcoholic beverages outside the four walls of the business.
“We stand by our statement—the hospitality industry is simply too big to fail in Michigan,” added Winslow. “While we are pleased that Regions 6 and 8 have begun to reopen, we need ways to support all of the 18,000 private businesses statewide for which the summer months is normally a boon to business. It’s a new normal in terms of business models for restaurants, and we need to throw them a lifeline. As our industry continues to find creative ways to generate revenue, authorizing liquor-to-go sales at restaurants is a step in the right direction.”
About the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice and lodging community. Founded in 1921 as the Michigan Restaurant Association and now known as the MRLA, the Association represents over 5,000 Michigan foodservice and lodging establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 595,000 people and creating nearly $40 billion in annual sales. For more information, visit www.mrla.org and www.detroitrla.org.
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice and lodging community. Founded in 1921 as the Michigan Restaurant Association and now known as the MRLA, the Association represents over 5,000 Michigan foodservice and lodging establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 595,000 people and creating nearly $40 billion in annual sales. For more information, visit www.mrla.org and www.detroitrla.org.
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