12/2/13 - A House committee will review a pair of bills sponsored by a local Senator that opponents say come down to an issue of freedom of speech for bar and restaurant owners to market within their establishments. Senate Bills 504 and 505 are sponsored by Republican Senator Joe Hune of Hamburg Township and both passed on a voice vote with bi-partisan support in early November. They were sent to the House Regulatory Reform Committee, where a public hearing will be held tomorrow morning. SB Bill 504 deals with administration of Michigan liquor control code while SB 505 would codify in law an administrative prohibition on alcohol manufacturers, sellers, and distributors from giving bars and restaurants items that promote brands and prices of their products, including things like glasses or napkins with brand logos. It would also impact products with the logos of Michigan-based breweries, wineries and distilleries. The bills are opposed by the Michigan Licensed Beverage Association, which has organized a grassroots campaign to rally bar and restaurant owners against the bills. Some members are expected to testify tomorrow about why they feel the bills will negatively impact Michiganâs small businesses, and note that Michigan is currently the only state in the nation that prohibits the logoed marketing items in bars and restaurants. (JM)
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