This year’s retreat was successful on many levels including its level of participation. We had several first time guests at the retreat that walked away with some valuable information on what the association has done in terms of government affairs over the past few years and where we are headed. I would like to extend my gratitude towards those who attended this year’s event and appreciate the information and spirited discussions on the direction the MLBA will take in the upcoming year.

In the four retreats that I have been involved with at the MLBA, the theme always includes the idea that the association has to continue to be defensive. There are numerous attempts by a few lawmakers that try and hurt your business. As it has been in the past three years, we are likely going to have to fight a liquor license fee increase proposal, something that we have been successful at defeating three years straight. There is also the concern of another liquor tax increase proposal to help balance the state’s budget. And you can be certain that a smoking ban for bars and restaurants will continue to be discussed given its successful passage in the House late last year.

That being said, we can take a look back at 2007 and see some of the positive steps the MLBA made towards helping licensees rather than just protecting them. As we continue to be successful in guarding against proposals that will add to the costs of running licencees’ businesses, we can also look at ways in which we can give some relief to business owners during these extremely difficult economic times in Michigan. One of the main objectives in 2007 that saw movement and will continue to be a main priority in 2008 until final passage is our work towards changing the Michigan Liquor Control Code where intoxicated patrons violations are concerned.

The MLBA has fought for several years to protect licensees against certain law enforcement practices dealing with intoxicated patrons. There have been numerous accounts of licensees being cited for serving intoxicated patrons, allowing intoxicated patrons to consume or allowing intoxicated patrons to loiter when no visible signs of intoxication can be proven at the point of sale or consumption. In several cases the Liquor Control Commission is only presented with a blood alcohol content level of an individual and is used as evidence. House Bill 4684 would ensure that evidence other than BAC levels by an enforcement agent is collected at the time of sale of consumption or a witness to a potential intoxicated patron is found during the standard time of an investigation. HB 4684 passed the House with a 102 – 1 vote and looks to get some positive movement in the Senate soon.Another main focus of this year’s government affairs retreat was on the licensing process at the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) and how it might be able to become more efficient. Business owners for years have complained about the time it takes for a license to be transferred or a new license to be issued and Legislators are beginning to take note. New legislation has been introduced to offer an expedited license for a nominal fee. The MLBA will be involved heavily throughout this process to see if there are ways in which the MLCC can make the process more efficient without skipping necessary steps to ensure that licenses are not getting into the wrong hands. Several suggestions were made at the retreat that will be the primary focus in discussions with Legislators and the Commission on this matter.

There are a variety of other issues that the MLBA will continue to fight for licensees rights. Each year over 100 bills are introduced that affect your business one way or another the majority of which are negative to your business. This is why it is so important to make sure that the leaders in this state that we elect are ones that understand your business and understand the struggles that you go through on a daily basis, and also why it is necessary for the MLBA to support those candidates that will support our industry while in office. In addition to some of the legislative items that were discussed at the retreat we also took some time to look over the MLBA Political Action Committee (PAC). I have discussed this many times in this column and will continue to mention it as it is one of the most important aspects to our Government Affairs program. Having a strong PAC results in the association gaining greater access to lawmakers and their staff. The threats of increased taxes, increased license fees, smoking bans and lowering the BAC level for drunk driving offenses are real.

If the MLBA is not at the table when these things are brought up, we will lose each and every time. I strongly encourage all members of the association to take a second and third look at any correspondence you receive regarding the PAC and make a contribution. Your annual support — as little as $50 a year — ensures that the MLBA remains a relevant force in Lansing and beyond, and that your rights as a business owner and liquor licensee are protected.

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