3/5/14 - A package of bills has been voted out of committee that allows bars and restaurants freedom to market certain products within their establishments. The Michigan House Regulatory Reform Committee voted out a package of bills related to Michiganâs brewing industry on Tuesday. The Michigan Licensed Beverage Association says the bills benefit brewers and the expansion of their industry, and said State Representative Cindy Denby was instrumental in helping the different sides come together. The Handy Township Republican is a member of the Regulatory Reform Committee and a former restaurant owner. Denby says sheâs glad they were able to come to a compromise to ease the restrictions on small business. MLBA Executive Director Scott Ellis says the prohibition was lightened to allow bars and restaurants the use of logoed marketing items within their establishments for the first time. Those include things such as glasses, napkin holders and patio umbrellas that have a primary purpose beyond advertising. The package of bills now moves to the full House. Smaller craft brewers and the Michigan Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association had wanted to stop larger brewers from using items with their logos as leverage to win a greater presence in restaurants and bars. (JM/JK)
↧