Q: What role does technology play when it comes to the service of beer, wine, and mixed spirit drinks in Michigan?
A: As of July 2022, businesses with on-premises liquor licenses may utilize self-service dispensing machines such as beer wall taps and wine dispensing machines. This innovative technology allows the customer to pour their own drink, freeing up more valuable time for employees.
On-premises licensees include bars, restaurants, hotels, or any businesses licensed by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) to sell and serve alcohol for consumption on the premises.
Prior to July 2022, tabletop taps were allowed. Tabletop taps are dispensing machines located at the customer’s table or booth. The beer, wine or mixed spirit drink is ordered through a server who enabled the tap at the table. Many of the same restrictions on tabletop service are included in the recent legislation allowing for beer, wine, and mixed spirits taps.
A: As of July 2022, businesses with on-premises liquor licenses may utilize self-service dispensing machines such as beer wall taps and wine dispensing machines. This innovative technology allows the customer to pour their own drink, freeing up more valuable time for employees.
On-premises licensees include bars, restaurants, hotels, or any businesses licensed by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) to sell and serve alcohol for consumption on the premises.
Prior to July 2022, tabletop taps were allowed. Tabletop taps are dispensing machines located at the customer’s table or booth. The beer, wine or mixed spirit drink is ordered through a server who enabled the tap at the table. Many of the same restrictions on tabletop service are included in the recent legislation allowing for beer, wine, and mixed spirits taps.
The new law, otherwise known as MCL 436.1522(4), is summarized as follows:
This new law presents a new opportunity and new challenges for businesses. Compliance with the MLCC Code is always a must. When operating a self-serving tap wall, the owner must be diligent. The technology must be implemented correctly, the customers must be monitored closely, and strict compliance with requesting identification prior to issuing the secure key card and monitoring for intoxication once in use is crucial.
Owners must also continue to focus on customer service. Service via Beer and Wine Wall Taps may lose the human connection servers and bartenders would otherwise have with the customer. The creation of “Wall Tenders” can be just as fun and entertaining. It will take smart and talented people to implement this new technology and service. Hopefully, your friendly Wall Tender will fit the bill. Don’t be afraid to tell them your life story, but keep that bracelet securely fastened!
- No additional permit or MLCC approval is necessary.
- The dispensing machine is not located at the customer’s table or booth.
- The wall tap dispensing machines may only dispense beer, wine, or mixed spirit drink products. The machines must not dispense spirits or cocktails.
- Dispensing machine is activated by a secure key card supplied by the licensee’s employee to the customer.
- The secure key card must always be attached to the customer by a necklace or bracelet.
- The equipment must stop dispensing once a customer has reached 32 ounces total, at which point the employee must reactivate the secure key card.
- Unlimited quantities of beer, wine, or mixed spirit drink must not be served through the dispensing machine.
- The licensee and its employee serving alcoholic liquor must monitor the sale, service, and consumption of beer, wine, or mixed spirit drink from the dispensing machine to ensure compliance with the MLCC Code and rules.
- A licensee that operates self-service machines faces double maximum fines of up to $2,000 for violations where an underaged minor or intoxicated person is served alcohol, regardless of whether the alcohol was served from the Beer or Wine Tap Walls.
This new law presents a new opportunity and new challenges for businesses. Compliance with the MLCC Code is always a must. When operating a self-serving tap wall, the owner must be diligent. The technology must be implemented correctly, the customers must be monitored closely, and strict compliance with requesting identification prior to issuing the secure key card and monitoring for intoxication once in use is crucial.
Owners must also continue to focus on customer service. Service via Beer and Wine Wall Taps may lose the human connection servers and bartenders would otherwise have with the customer. The creation of “Wall Tenders” can be just as fun and entertaining. It will take smart and talented people to implement this new technology and service. Hopefully, your friendly Wall Tender will fit the bill. Don’t be afraid to tell them your life story, but keep that bracelet securely fastened!
The MRLA is offering access to a 25% discount on ServSafe Alcohol Training until October 31, 2022. Train your staff by completing the online course today using discount code MRLA25. Visit mrla.org/servsafe-alcohol-certifcation to purchase your course.
The MRLA is offering access to a 25% discount on ServSafe Alcohol Training until October 31, 2022. Train your staff by completing the online course today using discount code MRLA25. Visit mrla.org/servsafe-alcohol-certifcation to purchase your course.
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