When it comes to government affairs, if you're not at the table, you're probably on the menu.
The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) is your official seat at the table in Lansing and your only voice at the Capitol. Representing the hospitality industry for decades, we've advocated for restaurants and hotels on almost every issue and threat imaginable. We were the #1 advocate and resource during the devasting COVID pandemic, securing federal aid and major relief packages as well as conveying the most up-to-date and detailed communication to businesses when it mattered the most. We've combatted liquor license fees and soda taxes. We've made cocktails-to-go and social zones a permanent part of Michigan summers. We've secured financial support for Hospitality & Tourism training, pushed for Pure Michigan funding, and protected hotels from unnecessary excise taxes.
We have a few things on our plate right now.
The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) is your official seat at the table in Lansing and your only voice at the Capitol. Representing the hospitality industry for decades, we've advocated for restaurants and hotels on almost every issue and threat imaginable. We were the #1 advocate and resource during the devasting COVID pandemic, securing federal aid and major relief packages as well as conveying the most up-to-date and detailed communication to businesses when it mattered the most. We've combatted liquor license fees and soda taxes. We've made cocktails-to-go and social zones a permanent part of Michigan summers. We've secured financial support for Hospitality & Tourism training, pushed for Pure Michigan funding, and protected hotels from unnecessary excise taxes.
We have a few things on our plate right now.
Restore Pure Michigan Funding
In 2022, Pure Michigan helped bring 125 million visitors to the state, which was an increase of 7.7 million from 2021. These visitors spent approximately $27.3 billion, supported 324,000 jobs, and generated $3.2 billion in state and local taxes, with a total economic impact of $45.5 billion. Despite the overwhelming success of this tourism marketing campaign, however, the Fiscal Year 2024 budget would slash funding for Pure Michigan from $40 million in 2023 to $15 million. Restoring Pure Michigan funding to the level it needs to be to stay competitive with other Midwestern states - $50 million - is a key priority for the MRLA.
In 2022, Pure Michigan helped bring 125 million visitors to the state, which was an increase of 7.7 million from 2021. These visitors spent approximately $27.3 billion, supported 324,000 jobs, and generated $3.2 billion in state and local taxes, with a total economic impact of $45.5 billion. Despite the overwhelming success of this tourism marketing campaign, however, the Fiscal Year 2024 budget would slash funding for Pure Michigan from $40 million in 2023 to $15 million. Restoring Pure Michigan funding to the level it needs to be to stay competitive with other Midwestern states - $50 million - is a key priority for the MRLA.
Upscale the Workforce with the Hospitality Training Institute of Michigan
As Michigan's hospitality workforce continues its climb back to pre-COVID levels of employment, the MRLA is focused on providing free and effective training for future and current hospitality employees. In the Fiscal Year 2023 budget, the MRLA n successfully secured $10 million to help the Hospitality Training Instute of Michigan, a 12-week trade and career school teaching the financial and leadership skills necessary to advance in hospitality, scale the program up to 2,000 students across the state.
As Michigan's hospitality workforce continues its climb back to pre-COVID levels of employment, the MRLA is focused on providing free and effective training for future and current hospitality employees. In the Fiscal Year 2023 budget, the MRLA n successfully secured $10 million to help the Hospitality Training Instute of Michigan, a 12-week trade and career school teaching the financial and leadership skills necessary to advance in hospitality, scale the program up to 2,000 students across the state.
Moderate Broad Lodging Excise Taxes
Across the country, municipalities are proposing levying excise taxes on lodging to pay for essential services such as public safety and community beautification. Michigan is not immune to this movement, and the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association continues to advocate to ensure excise taxes are only assessed in partnership with hoteliers and used to fund tourism-friendly projects. In 2023, in response to a bill that would allow certain cities and counties in Michigan to raise or impose excise taxes on hotels, the MRLA worked closely with local governments, Kent County hoteliers, numerous stakeholders, and Michigan lawmakers to craft public policy that levied an excise tax on lodging accommodations, which could be used to fund specific tourism-friendly projects such as an amphitheater, convention centers, soccer stadiums, and even aquariums.
Across the country, municipalities are proposing levying excise taxes on lodging to pay for essential services such as public safety and community beautification. Michigan is not immune to this movement, and the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association continues to advocate to ensure excise taxes are only assessed in partnership with hoteliers and used to fund tourism-friendly projects. In 2023, in response to a bill that would allow certain cities and counties in Michigan to raise or impose excise taxes on hotels, the MRLA worked closely with local governments, Kent County hoteliers, numerous stakeholders, and Michigan lawmakers to craft public policy that levied an excise tax on lodging accommodations, which could be used to fund specific tourism-friendly projects such as an amphitheater, convention centers, soccer stadiums, and even aquariums.
Support Short-Term Rental Reform & Regulation
The MRLA believes in balance when it comes to regulating short-term rentals, protecting property rights while also ensuring the integrity of neighborhoods, valuing Michigan's hospitality industry, and establishing tax parity with traditional lodging institutions.
The MRLA believes in balance when it comes to regulating short-term rentals, protecting property rights while also ensuring the integrity of neighborhoods, valuing Michigan's hospitality industry, and establishing tax parity with traditional lodging institutions.
Defend Post Labor Day School Start
For the past two sessions, lawmakers have introduced and considered legislation that would remove the waiver process for schools to start classes before Labor Day. The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association has been successful in prevention this legislation from passing, keeping a key weekend free for vacationers to enjoy Michigan's destinations.
For the past two sessions, lawmakers have introduced and considered legislation that would remove the waiver process for schools to start classes before Labor Day. The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association has been successful in prevention this legislation from passing, keeping a key weekend free for vacationers to enjoy Michigan's destinations.
Oppose Overreaching Mandates
The 2023 legislative session has sent a series of legislative initiatives that would change the fabric of Michigan's hospitality industry. The MRLA has and will continue to oppose bills that pose an undue burden on the industry:
The 2023 legislative session has sent a series of legislative initiatives that would change the fabric of Michigan's hospitality industry. The MRLA has and will continue to oppose bills that pose an undue burden on the industry:
Predictive Scheduling Mandate: Lawmakers have mulled legislation that would require retail and hospitality businesses to provide solidified schedules to every employee two weeks in advance, threatening the valuable flexibility the industry offers.
Local Preemption Repeal: Currently, local units of government in Michigan are not allowed to pass laws at the local level that go beyond state law, but legislation has been introduced that allows local units of government to determine their own policies. For example, any municipality would be able to establish individual policies for wages, paid leave, etc, creating a confusing patchwork of policies for multi-unit operators and operators looking to expand their business.
Plastic Container Ban: Both the Michigan House and Senate have introduced laws that would allow local units of government to tax or ban specific containers, especially single-use containers or plastic bags.
Other Priorities:
Liquor
Oppose Additional Liquor Fees and Tax Increases
Over the past few years, the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) has attempted to increase fees associated with the license required to sell beer, wine, and liquor in the state. The MRLA will continue to oppose all efforts made by the MLCC and the legislature to increase any fees on the business community.
After all, the Liquor Control Commission (LCC) already generates more than $170 million in excess revenue from fees and taxes every year that inevitably gets transferred back to the General Fund for other budget priorities.
Over the past few years, the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) has attempted to increase fees associated with the license required to sell beer, wine, and liquor in the state. The MRLA will continue to oppose all efforts made by the MLCC and the legislature to increase any fees on the business community.
After all, the Liquor Control Commission (LCC) already generates more than $170 million in excess revenue from fees and taxes every year that inevitably gets transferred back to the General Fund for other budget priorities.
LABOR
Oppose any changes to the Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act
Following our successful efforts last session with the amendment of the Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act, the MRLA will continue fighting for the preservation of the tip credit this term and beyond. The MRLA stands firm in its opposition to any legislation that would make the current law even more burdensome on employers.
The tip credit is vitally important to the foodservice industry for both owners and employees. Last year, when the citizen-initiated law was initially introduced, foodservice workers across the state overwhelmingly voiced their opposition to the $12/hr. minimum wage. Due to the fact that the average worker earns more from the tip credit than a $12/hr. minimum wage.
Following our successful efforts last session with the amendment of the Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act, the MRLA will continue fighting for the preservation of the tip credit this term and beyond. The MRLA stands firm in its opposition to any legislation that would make the current law even more burdensome on employers.
The tip credit is vitally important to the foodservice industry for both owners and employees. Last year, when the citizen-initiated law was initially introduced, foodservice workers across the state overwhelmingly voiced their opposition to the $12/hr. minimum wage. Due to the fact that the average worker earns more from the tip credit than a $12/hr. minimum wage.
Oppose any changes to the Paid Medical Leave Law
An onerous mandatory paid medical leave law would be disastrous to Michigan’s hospitality industries. The restaurant industry would be especially hard hit by this mandate given its razor-thin profit margins of just 4 percent and predominant makeup of small businesses.
Similar to previously introduced legislation, The MRLA opposes any bills that would mandate businesses with less than 10 employees to provide a minimum of 40 paid sick leave hours per worker; and businesses with more than 10 employees provide a minimum of 72 paid sick leave hours to per worker. Leave could be taken by the hour and used for personal health reasons or for any health-related care of family members and loved ones. An employee would not be required to show any documentation of illness unless he or she has failed to show up for work for more than three consecutive days.
The MRLA also opposes mandatory paid leave efforts at the local level as they pose an additional burden of forcing multiple location owners to create separate policies for locations within an affected region from the rest of the state.
An onerous mandatory paid medical leave law would be disastrous to Michigan’s hospitality industries. The restaurant industry would be especially hard hit by this mandate given its razor-thin profit margins of just 4 percent and predominant makeup of small businesses.
Similar to previously introduced legislation, The MRLA opposes any bills that would mandate businesses with less than 10 employees to provide a minimum of 40 paid sick leave hours per worker; and businesses with more than 10 employees provide a minimum of 72 paid sick leave hours to per worker. Leave could be taken by the hour and used for personal health reasons or for any health-related care of family members and loved ones. An employee would not be required to show any documentation of illness unless he or she has failed to show up for work for more than three consecutive days.
The MRLA also opposes mandatory paid leave efforts at the local level as they pose an additional burden of forcing multiple location owners to create separate policies for locations within an affected region from the rest of the state.
BUdget
Partner with the State to Foster Workforce Development for the Hospitality Industry (AHLEI)
The MRLA aims to improve the hospitality industry’s talent gap through a successful partnership with the state. MRLA hopes to receive funding from the state for the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) program.
The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) is a training and education program for all segments of hospitality industry for more than 65 years. AHLEI has worked to provide organizations and schools with quality resources to train, educate, and certify hospitality professionals.
The MRLA aims to improve the hospitality industry’s talent gap through a successful partnership with the state. MRLA hopes to receive funding from the state for the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) program.
The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) is a training and education program for all segments of hospitality industry for more than 65 years. AHLEI has worked to provide organizations and schools with quality resources to train, educate, and certify hospitality professionals.
Maintain funding for MRLA ProStart Program
ProStart is a nationwide, two-year high school program that unites classrooms with industries. It develops the best and brightest talent into tomorrow’s restaurant and foodservice industry leaders. In Michigan, 69 high schools and career centers use the ProStart curriculum with more than 5,000 students participating.
Last year, the MRLA was successful in securing a modest level of state funding towards the expansion of the ProStart Program. This funding aimed to diminish any potential “barriers-of-entry” and allow for the next generation of culinary entrepreneurs to continue to thier culinary education and training. In 2019, the MRLA seeks to continue state funding to further our investment and expansion of the ProStart Program.
ProStart is a nationwide, two-year high school program that unites classrooms with industries. It develops the best and brightest talent into tomorrow’s restaurant and foodservice industry leaders. In Michigan, 69 high schools and career centers use the ProStart curriculum with more than 5,000 students participating.
Last year, the MRLA was successful in securing a modest level of state funding towards the expansion of the ProStart Program. This funding aimed to diminish any potential “barriers-of-entry” and allow for the next generation of culinary entrepreneurs to continue to thier culinary education and training. In 2019, the MRLA seeks to continue state funding to further our investment and expansion of the ProStart Program.
Non-INdustry Specific issues
Oppose “Big Brother” Approach to Governmental Oversight
Legislation was introduced last term that would have given the Department of Treasury carte blanche authority to install anti-sales suppression software in businesses with point of sale systems (including restaurants). That software is designed to monitor potential “skimming” of cash-based sales using a tool commonly referred to as a “zapper.”
While the MRLA would never tolerate, let alone defend tax evasion by its members, the implementation of such legislation would be a gross intrusion on private enterprise. The mere introduction of such legislation infers an implicit assumption of guilt by all business to justify a heavy-handed “Big Brother” approach to tax compliance.
Legislation was introduced last term that would have given the Department of Treasury carte blanche authority to install anti-sales suppression software in businesses with point of sale systems (including restaurants). That software is designed to monitor potential “skimming” of cash-based sales using a tool commonly referred to as a “zapper.”
While the MRLA would never tolerate, let alone defend tax evasion by its members, the implementation of such legislation would be a gross intrusion on private enterprise. The mere introduction of such legislation infers an implicit assumption of guilt by all business to justify a heavy-handed “Big Brother” approach to tax compliance.
Oppose the Collection of City Income Tax
In years past, the MRLA has been successful in defeating a legislative proposal that would mandate an employer whose employees are residents of a city with an income tax, be responsible for the collection of the tax. Even if the employer was not doing business in the city or did not maintain an establishment there.
With over 20 cities imposing a city income tax, this particular legislation would have forced employers to be subject to enforcement and audit by each one of the cities and would be liable for any and all taxes that the employee owed.
While MRLA has been successful in defeating this proposal, the MRLA is expecting a similar fight to occur with the new legislature.
In years past, the MRLA has been successful in defeating a legislative proposal that would mandate an employer whose employees are residents of a city with an income tax, be responsible for the collection of the tax. Even if the employer was not doing business in the city or did not maintain an establishment there.
With over 20 cities imposing a city income tax, this particular legislation would have forced employers to be subject to enforcement and audit by each one of the cities and would be liable for any and all taxes that the employee owed.
While MRLA has been successful in defeating this proposal, the MRLA is expecting a similar fight to occur with the new legislature.
Minimum Wage
Michigan's Minimum WageStarting January 1, 2024:
“One Fair Wage” 2018 Ballot Proposal: Context and Recent History
In complete disregard to the 2014 bipartisan Minimum Wage law, the coalition identified as “One Fair Wage” which was almost entirely funded by out of state interests launched a ballot proposal for the 2018 November election. The ballot proposal sought to increase Michigan’s minimum wage to $12 per hour by 2022 while eliminating the tipped minimum wage “tip-credit” in Michigan by 2024.
In an effort to prevent this ballot proposal from reaching the November 2018 general election ballot, the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association worked tirelessly with the Michigan legislature to have them adopt the MI One Fair Wage Ballot Proposal and prevent it from going to the ballot.
As demonstrated in other states, if the MI One Fair Wage ballot proposal had gone to the November 2018 General Election Ballot, it would have passed with overwhelming support. Further, under Michigan’s constitution, the MI Legislature would have needed ¾ support in both the MI Senate & MI House to make changes ever again! However, since the MI legislature took the necessary steps to adopt the proposal, the MI House & Senate only needed a simple majority in both chambers to make the necessary changes to the new Minimum Wage Law.
On December 4, 2018, the Michigan Legislature voted overwhelmingly to pass SB 1171 (now Public Act 368 of 2018) into law.
- Michigan's minimum wage will increase to $10.33 per hour.
- The 85 percent rate for minors aged 16 and 17 increases to $8.78 per hour.
- The rate for tipped employees will increase to $3.93 per hour.
- The training wage of $4.25 an hour for newly hired employees ages 16 to 19 for their first 90 days of employment remains unchanged.
“One Fair Wage” 2018 Ballot Proposal: Context and Recent History
In complete disregard to the 2014 bipartisan Minimum Wage law, the coalition identified as “One Fair Wage” which was almost entirely funded by out of state interests launched a ballot proposal for the 2018 November election. The ballot proposal sought to increase Michigan’s minimum wage to $12 per hour by 2022 while eliminating the tipped minimum wage “tip-credit” in Michigan by 2024.
In an effort to prevent this ballot proposal from reaching the November 2018 general election ballot, the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association worked tirelessly with the Michigan legislature to have them adopt the MI One Fair Wage Ballot Proposal and prevent it from going to the ballot.
As demonstrated in other states, if the MI One Fair Wage ballot proposal had gone to the November 2018 General Election Ballot, it would have passed with overwhelming support. Further, under Michigan’s constitution, the MI Legislature would have needed ¾ support in both the MI Senate & MI House to make changes ever again! However, since the MI legislature took the necessary steps to adopt the proposal, the MI House & Senate only needed a simple majority in both chambers to make the necessary changes to the new Minimum Wage Law.
On December 4, 2018, the Michigan Legislature voted overwhelmingly to pass SB 1171 (now Public Act 368 of 2018) into law.
Paid Family Leave
Michigan's Paid Sick Leave“MI Time to Care” 2018 Ballot Proposal: Context and Recent History
The group, MI Time to Care which was almost exclusively funded by “dark money” from out-of-state donors, attempted to place a mandatory Paid Sick Leave proposal on the November 2018 general election ballot.
As originally written and if passed into law, the MI Time to Care proposal would have been the most extreme and burdensome Paid Sick Leave mandate in the entire country. Even worse than California!
The original proposal would have mandated that every employer across Michigan (no matter the size) provide mandatory Paid Sick Leave to every employee he or she employed at a rate of 1/hr. for every 30/hrs. worked.
Similar to Minimum Wage, in an effort to prevent this ballot proposal from reaching the November 2018 general election ballot, the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association worked on your behalf with the Michigan legislature to have them adopt the MI Time to Care proposal. If it were able to have gone to the November ballot, it would have passed with overwhelming support and would have required the MI Legislature to have ¾ support to ever make changes to the proposal again! Since the MI legislature took the necessary steps to prevent this job-killing mandate from reaching the ballot, the MI House & Senate only needed a simple majority in both chambers to make the necessary changes to the new Paid Sick Leave law.
On December 4, 2018, the Michigan Legislature voted overwhelmingly to pass SB 1175 (now Public Act 369 of 2018) into law.
The group, MI Time to Care which was almost exclusively funded by “dark money” from out-of-state donors, attempted to place a mandatory Paid Sick Leave proposal on the November 2018 general election ballot.
As originally written and if passed into law, the MI Time to Care proposal would have been the most extreme and burdensome Paid Sick Leave mandate in the entire country. Even worse than California!
The original proposal would have mandated that every employer across Michigan (no matter the size) provide mandatory Paid Sick Leave to every employee he or she employed at a rate of 1/hr. for every 30/hrs. worked.
Similar to Minimum Wage, in an effort to prevent this ballot proposal from reaching the November 2018 general election ballot, the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association worked on your behalf with the Michigan legislature to have them adopt the MI Time to Care proposal. If it were able to have gone to the November ballot, it would have passed with overwhelming support and would have required the MI Legislature to have ¾ support to ever make changes to the proposal again! Since the MI legislature took the necessary steps to prevent this job-killing mandate from reaching the ballot, the MI House & Senate only needed a simple majority in both chambers to make the necessary changes to the new Paid Sick Leave law.
On December 4, 2018, the Michigan Legislature voted overwhelmingly to pass SB 1175 (now Public Act 369 of 2018) into law.
Past Accomplishments:
Recent Victories
- Public Act 119 (HB 4437): Secured $10 million in funding for the Hospitality Training Institute of Michigan (HTIM)
- Public Act 4 (HB 4001): Expands Michigan's Earned Income Tax Credit (Sponsor: Rep. Angela Witwer D-Grand Ledge)
- Public Act 6 (SB 4): Expands Michigan's Elliot Larsen Civil Rights Act to include sexual orientation and gender identity or expression (Sponsor: Sen. Jeremy Moss D-Southfield)
- Public Act 95 (SB 141): Removal of sunset on 'Cocktails to Go' (Sponsor: Sen. Mallory McMorrow D - Royal Oak)
- Public Act 144 (SB 845): Secured $2.5 million in funding for Hospitality Tourism Management/ProStart programs (Sponsor: Sen. Wayne Schmidt R-Traverse City)
- Public Act 27 (HB 5090): Removal of the sunset on 'Social Zones' (Sponsor: Rep. T.C. Clements R-Temperance)
- Public Act 123 (SB 690): Fiscal Year 2020 budget supplemental that established a $2.5 million employee relief fund and an increased discount rate of 23% with the Michigan Liquor Control Commission rate for on-premises licensees for one year. (Sponsor: Sen. Jim Stamas R-Midland)
- Public Act 124 (HB 5781): Allows for the creation of social zones in partnership with local unites of government. (Sponsor: Rep. Michael Webber R-Rochester Hills)
- Public Act 125 (HB 5811): Allowed bars and restaurants to ability to offer beer, wine and mixed-drinks to go including delivery. (Sponsor: Rep. Sarah Anthony D-Lansing)
- Public Act 166 (HB 5396): Restoration in funding ($15 million) for the Pure Michigan Campaign. After previous years funding had been vetoed. (Sponsor: Rep. Shane Hernandez R-Port Huron)
- Public Act 296 (House Bill 5770): Require that third-party delivery companies such as Uber Eats or Grub Hub to get the permission of a restaurant prior to listing them on their mobile app or website. Michigan was the first state to enact this regulation at the state level. (Sponsor: Rep. Roger Hauck R-Mt. Pleasant)
- Senate Bill 748: Fiscal Year 2020 Budget supplemental that provides $55 million in emergency grants for small business and $45 million for impacted employees. (Sponsor: Sen. Jim Stamas R-Midland)
- Public Act 132 (Senate Bill 85): Provided $409 million for the Growing Michigan Grant Program (Sponsor: Sen. Ken Horn R-Frankenmuth)
Notable Vetoes
- Senate Bills 935-937: Allowed for sales and withholding tax payments to be paid in installments thru November of 2020. (Sponsor: Sen. Curt Vanderwall R-Ludington)
- House Bill 5761 and House Bill 5810: Allowed for a six-month penalty and interest free extension for individuals and business to make their property award payments. (Sponsor: Rep. James Lower R-Greenville)
- Senate Bill 1253: Would limit the ability for the Department of Health and Human Services to extend an order beyond 28 days without the permission of the Michigan Legislature. (Sponsor: Se. Lana Theis R-Brighton)
- Senate Bill 943: Would relieve the burden of unpaid summer 2020 property tax fees, penalties, and interest. (Sponsor: Sen. Pete McGregor R-Rockford)
Critical Relief Packages
- Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFRCA): Key provisions include paid family/medical leave, paid sick leave, insurance coverage for COVID-19 testing and the first round of federal emergency grants for state unemployment insurance.
- Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES): The second major federal relief package for the COVID-19 pandemic, the $2 trillion CARES Act includes direct payments to American taxpayers, extended and increased unemployment benefits, a new unemployment assistance program for self-employed workers, small business relief, and more.
- Restaurant Recovery Fund (RRF): The singular industry relief program from the Federal government. The initial investment was $28.6 billion with a three-week priority for female owned, veteran owned and businesses in economically disadvantaged areas. Unfortunately, demand greatly exceeded supply and approximately 175,000 applicants did not receive funding.
Historic Accomplishments
- Successfully defeated numerous proposals to hike the liquor tax and liquor license fees and create a state death tax. Each proposal would cost restaurants and other small businesses tremendous amounts of money in new taxes and fees – at a time when they can be least afforded.
- Successfully helped pass legislation which phases-out the inclusion of sales tax from the base of the Michigan Business Tax, which will end this tax-on-a-tax.
- Successfully helped pass legislation which reduces unemployment benefit claims from 26 to 20 weeks, and implements anti-claim fraud and anti-waste provisions, which will save Michigan employers $1 billion over three years.
- Successfully passed legislation requiring all schools to wait to start their school year until after Labor Day and we successfully defended this law in 2009 when several lawmakers tried to repeal it.
- Successfully supported legislation providing $25 million in state funding of Michigan tourism for the current fiscal year. Studies show that for every dollar spent on an effective tourism promotion program, about three dollars in new tax revenues are produced for the state. Efforts continue on a more permanent source of funds for tourism promotion.
- Successfully passed legislation putting a stop to frivolous lawsuits against restaurants brought by individuals with obesity problems who are looking to avoid personal responsibility.
- Successfully passed legislation allowing restaurant guests to take home unfinished bottles of wine they purchased with their meals.
- Successfully passed legislation allowing Sunday morning sales of alcohol by liquor licensees who obtain the necessary permit.
- Successfully passed legislation which prohibits the development of a statewide mandatory workplace ergonomic standard enforced by MIOSHA. A mandatory ergonomic standard – which had been under development by the Granholm Administration – would be among the most complex, confusing and costly regulatory burdens placed on the backs of Michigan employers. Additionally, Michigan would be only the second state in the country to have this mandate – California being the other – and it would be much tougher than California’s.
- Successfully eliminated a 20-year state Treasury practice of taxing meals that operators provide at no cost or reduced cost to their employees during work periods. And in 2004, 2007, and AGAIN in 2009 we successfully defended it when attempts were made to undo our efforts!
- Successfully passed legislation allowing liquor licensees to remain open past 2am to provide entertainment options for guests and increase sales.
- Successfully defeated a proposal which would have ended the ability of a restaurateur to deliver beer and wine for off-site catered events using a SDM liquor license.
- Successfully passed legislation which ends the requirement that unused funds from gift certificates and gift cards get turned over to the state as unclaimed property in exchange for some new regulations on the issuance and use of gift certificates and gift cards.
- Successfully passed legislation allowing liquor licensees to provide free samples of beer, wine and spirits to guests who may be interested in purchasing higher end products, driving additional sales.
- Successfully passed an update to the Michigan Food Law simplifying the menu consumer advisory requirement. This took effect April 2008.
- Successfully defeated a proposed state law and a proposed Oakland County ordinance, both of which would have banned the use of trans fats in restaurants, which would have created a number of problems for restaurateurs in the area of supply, prices and being out of step with the rest of the country.
- Successfully passed legislation which would exempt exhibitors at the annual Michigan Restaurant Show from having to obtain temporary health licenses for the preparation and sampling of food.
- Successfully passed legislation allowing liquor licensees to sell alcohol on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, by allowing them remain open and sell alcohol on Christmas Eve until midnight, and to open and sell alcohol starting at noon on Christmas Day.
- Successfully passed a permanent extension of the resort liquor license program.
- Successfully put an end to unemployment tax dodging without placing new paperwork and fee burdens on Michigan restaurants.
- Successfully defeated attempts to hike the minimum payroll wage for tipped employees as well as an attempt to completely eliminate the tip credit altogether. However, this proposal comes back year after year and will no doubt be seen again … soon.
- Successfully passed legislation creating a youth minimum wage below the state minimum wage. This allows employers to pay a minimum wage of 85 percent of the state wage to employees who are 16 or 17 years of age.
- Successfully amended the smoking ban legislation by making sure that enforcement focuses on the smoking patron – not the establishment – by continuing the current prohibition on local smoking ordinances affecting restaurants and taverns, and by making sure individuals will not have the ability to bring frivolous civil lawsuits against establishments.
- Successfully created a new vertical driver license for minors that can easily be identified by servers and clerks.
- Successfully supported the creation of two new state Lottery games called “Club Games” to increase customer enjoyment at Class C licensed liquor service establishments. Members can call the MRLA for information on “Club Keno” and “Pull Tabs” games.
- Successfully repealed a rule that prohibited the display of illuminated signs advertising alcoholic beverage brands. MRLA was the only organization that initiated and encouraged the action of the Michigan Attorney General to throw this rule out.
- Successfully defeated a bill allowing Detroit to levy a restaurant sales tax.
- Successfully passed a bill bringing Kent County in line with the rest of the state to allow the transfer of an escrowed on-premises liquor license within the county.
- Successfully ensured the new drunk driving standard did not drop below .08 or create a new impairment standard below .08, which would have criminalized responsible social drinkers.
- Successfully helped pass legislation creating a new “high BAC” drunk driving penalty to go after the true source of the drunk driving problem, while not criminalizing responsible social drinkers.
- Successfully defeated an Ingham County proposal that would have required all restaurants to put up posters with the contact information for the health department if guests became sick.
- Successfully defeated a Ferndale proposal that sought to allow law enforcement officers to use alcohol breath tests on customers while they were still in a restaurant or bar.
- Successfully provided uniformity of alcohol sales times on Sundays for four counties in the Upper Peninsula. These counties are located in the central time zone and, on Sundays, are less able to compete for customers who can simply cross the state border into Wisconsin, which has less restrictive Sunday sales laws.
- Successfully supported a new state law disallowing the admissibility of blood-alcohol content tests conducted in a licensed establishment to be used to prove the establishment illegally served a visibly intoxicated person. This change clarifies the state prohibition on serving visibly intoxicated persons.