Two more hours on tap

Jeff Broddle | Cadillac News Sarah Benson, a bartender at SallyÕs Lounge, draws a beer. Legislators are considering whether to extend nightclub hours to 4 a.m.

LANSING - Proposed legislation could have some bars open 21 hours a day.

Sen. Michelle McManus, R-Lake Leelanau, has proposed a bill in the state senate to allow special late-night permits for bars, clubs and any facility that sells alcohol. For $1,500 per year, an establishment can purchase a license to stay open until 4 a.m.

Proposed legislation in the state house has an additional provision to allow sales and service beginning at 9 a.m. on Sundays.

”There is definitely a growing demand for places to stay open later,“ said Lance Binoniemi, director of government affairs for the Michigan Licensed Beverage Association.

As an example, Binoniemi said factory workers of late-night shifts may not get out of work until midnight or 1 a.m. With the permit, they would have more time to spend at a bar if they so choose.

”Businesses will be able to decide if it's economically viable - they know their crowd,“ Binoniemi said. ”If the answer is no, they won't opt to get the permit.“

McManus said she has two thoughts in mind with the legislations.

First, it could be a significant revenue generator for the state. Second, it could provide a boost for businesses, especially those that cater to tourists such as northern Michigan.

”We looked at some possible options and found there could be significant generated revenue if bar owners and restaurants bought a special permit,“ McManus said. ”The area I represent, we are a tourism-service community in most of the district. I thought it would also increase tourism.“

Sally Arrington, owner of Sally's Lounge in downtown Cadillac, said she is in favor of the special permit.

”I personally think it's OK - it's up to the bar if they want to do it,“ Arrington said. ”If I had a band or wanted to throw something different out there, it would probably help.“

If Arrington pursues a late-night permit, she said it is unlikely she would stay open until 4 a.m. every night. Generally on the weekends, she said some customers stick around until 2 a.m.

McManus introduced the bill, Senate Bill 0752, on Sept. 13. It was referred the same day to the Committee on Economic Development, Small Business and Regulatory Reform. House Bill 5190, sponsored by Rep. Bill McConico, was introduced Sept. 20 and referred to the Committee on Regulatory Reform.

McManus said there is no timeline on the bill's movement through the state government.

Binoniemi said it would be beneficial for the state to pass the legislation before the Super Bowl to allow Detroit to capitalize on the big game even more. So far, he said he is not aware of any ”outright opposition.“

”I'm certain there will be groups that oppose it. After all, it was just introduced a few weeks ago,“ Binoniemi said.

mwhetstone@cadillacnews.com | 775-NEWS (6397)