Ask the Experts: What is the Newest Development in Food Service As Football Season Starts Up?
By: Kelly Allen | Adkison, Need, Allen & Rentrop PLLC
Q: What is the newest development in food service as football season gets started?
A: Public universities can now sell alcohol at collegiate athletic events.
Fall is synonymous with the tradition of college football, and this time around, Michigan’s public universities can sell alcohol at games and in stadiums. This is welcome news for many.
The National Collegiate Athletics Association (“NCAA”) began allowing alcohol sales at college athletic events in 2019. Today, 11 of the 12 Big Ten schools allow alcohol sales in stadiums, with Nebraska being the only outlier. UCLA, USC, Washington and Oregon, the Big Ten’s 2024 newcomers, also allow alcohol sales at their home stadiums. Michigan was one of the last in the Big Ten Conference to jump on the bandwagon. On July 19, 2023, Governor Whitmer signed a law amending the Liquor Control Code, allowing for the licensure of Michigan’s 15 public universities to sell alcohol at football, hockey, and basketball games. This move brings Michigan in line with many other states, as 117 of the 133 Football’s Division 1A schools will be selling beer at games this fall. As of this writing, Michigan State University has applications pending for the Breslin Center, Munn Ice Arena, and Spartan Stadium. Western Michigan University has an application pending for Waldo Stadium. Here in Michigan, response to the new law was generally positive. Supporters said the bill would bring Michigan universities on equal footing with other universities, provide more amenities to visitors, and help to reduce binge drinking before games.
A: Public universities can now sell alcohol at collegiate athletic events.
Fall is synonymous with the tradition of college football, and this time around, Michigan’s public universities can sell alcohol at games and in stadiums. This is welcome news for many.
The National Collegiate Athletics Association (“NCAA”) began allowing alcohol sales at college athletic events in 2019. Today, 11 of the 12 Big Ten schools allow alcohol sales in stadiums, with Nebraska being the only outlier. UCLA, USC, Washington and Oregon, the Big Ten’s 2024 newcomers, also allow alcohol sales at their home stadiums. Michigan was one of the last in the Big Ten Conference to jump on the bandwagon. On July 19, 2023, Governor Whitmer signed a law amending the Liquor Control Code, allowing for the licensure of Michigan’s 15 public universities to sell alcohol at football, hockey, and basketball games. This move brings Michigan in line with many other states, as 117 of the 133 Football’s Division 1A schools will be selling beer at games this fall. As of this writing, Michigan State University has applications pending for the Breslin Center, Munn Ice Arena, and Spartan Stadium. Western Michigan University has an application pending for Waldo Stadium. Here in Michigan, response to the new law was generally positive. Supporters said the bill would bring Michigan universities on equal footing with other universities, provide more amenities to visitors, and help to reduce binge drinking before games.
The Details:
- Governing Board and Michigan Liquor Control Commission Approval: With the approval of the university’s governing board, the MLCC may issue liquor licenses to Michigan’s public universities for athletic events.
- Types of Licenses: Up to a total of five on premise liquor licenses can be issued. This means that no more than five licenses, in a combination of Class C licenses (which allow for the sale of beer, wine, and spirits), and tavern licenses (which allow for the sale of beer and wine only) can be issued.
- Locations for Licenses: The licenses can only be used at a facility on university property that is customarily used for intercollegiate athletic events. Each facility, such as a football stadium or a hockey area, is issued a separate license. The sales and service of alcohol are allowed only at fixed locations within the facility.
- How often can the Licenses be used? The licenses can be used for 100 days per calendar year, in the aggregate, for all licenses combined for intercollegiate athletic scheduled events. The university must provide a list to the MLCC containing the dates and times of the events at least two weeks prior to the event.
- Limits on Sales: Alcohol can be sold one hour before the game and during the game. Sales end 30 minutes after the game is over. Each university may make its own rules in this regard but cannot allow sales beyond these hours.
- Responsible Service Required: Only individuals who have completed a server training program approved by the MLCC can sell or serve alcohol
Enjoy fall, college town hospitality, and have fun responsibly!
The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association offers a comprehensive alcohol service program tailored to the state requirements of the Michigan Liquor Control Commission, equipping restaurant owners and other foodservice managers with the essential knowledge and tools to serve alcohol beverages responsibly and successfully. The MRLA offers online courses as well as onsite classes for groups. For more information, check out mrla.org/servsafe-alcohol-certification or contact Heidi Hiner.
