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SENATE PASSES SMOKING BAN
Some Exemptions Lifted from Original House Bill
LANSING, MAY 8 -- The Michigan Senate took a discouraging step this afternoon in direct conflict with their long-standing support of Michigan’s hospitality industry. Click here to read the entire MLBA Member Alert, or click here to read the MLBA's release to the media.
The Record-Eagle editorial "Restaurant Smoking Ban a Matter of Public Health" (Feb. 12), erroneously characterized the issue by narrowly focusing on politics, while ignoring the fact that bars and restaurants are already going smoke-free without harmful government mandates. "Choice" is the answer, not the newspaper's summation: "cash." Click the title for the complete editorial from the Traverse City Record-Eagle by MLBA Government Affairs Director Lance Binoniemi.
The Michigan House of Representatives has approved a ban on smoking in Michigan bars, restaurants and many other workplaces. But the ban isn't likely to take effect because the Republican-controlled state Senate is expected to support a market-driven approach to the issue rather than a legislative approach. Click the title for the complete editorial from the Midland Daily News.
Efforts to ban smoking in Michigan bars, restaurants and other workplaces have hit a road block in the state Senate. Republicans sent the smoking ban measure to a committee where many bills go to die. Democrats tried to steer it to the health policy committee instead because the committee's Republican chairman supports the ban. Click the title for the whole story from MLive.com.
A possible statewide smoking ban has some bar and restaurant owners on edge. The house passed a measure to ban indoor smoking in all Michigan workplaces. Owners say that kind of ban would cause their business to suffer. It's not a done deal, but a proposal to ban smoking in bars and restaurants is already causing havoc. Click the title for the full story from WLNS Channel 6 in Lansing.
The Mason County Sheriff’s Office and the Ludington Police Department will be focusing on prevention of underage drinking and teen alcohol abuse. Deputies and officers plan to conduct compliance checks with local retailers to make sure that sales to minors are not happening.
HUDSONVILLE, Mich. -- Voters in Hudsonville have decided to end its status as the only dry city in Michigan, lifting a ban on alcohol sales. The final unofficial count of the Nov. 6 vote was 928-735 in favor of lifting the ban, the city clerk's office said. It said turnout was 34 percent. Click the title for the complete story from The Holland Sentinel.
An Isabella County judge has issued a decision that could complicate efforts by Michigan prosecutors to slap felony charges and longer jail sentences on chronic drunken drivers under Heidi's Law, which took effect in January. Click the title for the full story from the Detroit Free Press.
NEW YORK (AP) -- The makers of Coors and Miller Lite plan to combine their U.S. brewing operations in an effort to compete better against industry leader Anheuser-Busch. Click the title for the full story from the Associated Press.
If a woman is old enough to sign a contract, buy a house and get married, isn’t she also old enough to sip champagne at her wedding? If a man is mature enough to serve on a jury or risk his life in a war halfway around the world, isn’t he also mature enough to drink a beer? Click the title for the complete story from Parade Magazine.
I don't like cigarette smoke, especially when I am enjoying a nice meal at a local restaurant. I agree that second hand smoke is not only annoying, but probably hazardous to your health. However, I am also a staunch supporter of private property rights. Click the title to read the entire entry from Rep. Jack Hoogendyk's blog, "Core Principles."
 MLBA Members! Keep up-to-date on the MLBA's current issues. Click here and fill out the information to receive the MLBA Legislative Update Newsletter.
TAM® - A nationwide program developed by the MLBA to provide training for its members and their employees in preventing alcohol abuse in licensed establishments. Michigan Liquor Licensee Training Seminar®*-This series of workshops is designed to help you succeed in your business as a liquor licensee. Topics include: Server Training, Health & Sanitation, Alcohol Rules & Regulations, Working With Local Police, Music Licensing Laws, Tobacco Sales Training and Lottery Sales. Discounted Seminars Available to Members: The Restaurant Seminar Institute Check their website for dates and locations, and don't forget to mention you're an MLBA Member to receive a discount on registration! The CPFM Food Safety Manager Certification program is being offered by the International Food Service Executives Association. This program is approved by the Michigan Department of Agriculture. Click here for more information on all of the MLBA's educational programs and partners.
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| About the MLBA | | With nearly 2,500 members -- a membership larger than any other -- the MLBA presents a loud, unified voice in Michigan's beverage alcohol industry. Membership in the MLBA gives you the necessary clout to make an impact on issues affecting your business and the industry. Help support your industry and protect your business. Join today! |
| MLBA Member Alerts | Michigan Business Tax Information
The Michigan Department of Treasury recently launched an informational website to help business owners with questions about the new Michigan Business Tax, which replaces the Single Business Tax on Jan. 1, 2008. You can visit the website by clicking here. | | MLCC Bulletins
The Michigan Liquor Control Commission recently released two bulletins for licensees. Please click the topic below to download a PDF version of the corresponding release:
-- Refused Deliveries
-- Illegally-obtained Spirits & Other Goods |
| 'MyBlue' Individual Health Coverage Now Available | | MLBA members and their employees are now eligible for healthcare coverage from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Michigan's "MyBlue" suite of individual health plans. MyBlue offers the quality benefits, flexibility and valuable services you've come to expect from Michigan's most trusted name in healthcare. Click here to visit BCBS-Michigan and choose the plan that best fits your needs and budget. |
 Click here to order "The DUI Book -- Michigan Edition," a comprehensive guide to DUI defense. This "Citizen's Handbook on Fighting a Drunk Driving Case" was written and edited by top DUI defense attorneys William C. Head and Patrick T. Barone. Learn more about Barone and his Michigan-based practice at http://mi-dui-central.com/.
Click the cover to sample the latest issue of the Michigan Beverage Journal.
The Center for Consumer Freedom's website NeoProhibition.com tracks anti-alcohol movements across the country. Click the image above for their latest reports.
Click here for a direct link to the drunk driving audit that breaks down information by county over the past 3 years.
The MLBA thanks the following sponsors for their support:  
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