LANSING, MI — A plan to allow Michigan State University in East Lansing and other universities in Michigan to sell alcohol at on-campus sporting events has been introduced in Lansing.
The bipartisan legislation, introduced by State Rep. Graham Filler, Rep. Joe Tate and Sen. Curtis Hertel, would lift the state ban and allow university governing boards to apply for liquor licenses to sell alcohol at basketball, football, and hockey games.
“It’s simply a matter of fairness,” said Hertel. “Alcohol is served at MSU football games now, but only if you’re lucky enough to watch the game in a suite. Beer at the game should be allowed for more than just rich donors. Beyond that, there is overwhelming evidence that shows selling alcohol inside the stadium significantly reduces binge drinking on game days.”
House Bill 6289 and Senate Bill 1125 would allow the Michigan Liquor Control Commission to issue up to three tavern licenses or three Class C liquor licenses to be used for events within the public areas of university football, basketball, and hockey stadiums. Sales would be permitted two hours before and after each game, according to a press release announcing the legislation.
