Relief Options For Michigan Bars, Restaurants Hurt By Coronavirus

MICHIGAN — Bars and restaurants struggling financially due to fallout from the new coronavirus may benefit from new relief efforts issued by the state.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer late on Monday signed an executive order offering financial relief for bars and restaurants with on-premises liquor licenses, initiating a spirits buy-back program.

The order allows the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) to use its revolving fund to buy spirits remaining in inventory at full price from bars and restaurants that purchased them prior to March 16. Liquor licensees approved for the program have until 90 days after the state’s emergency and disasters declarations are lifted to re-purchase the spirits from the MLCC.

“Michigan’s 8,500 on-premises liquor licensees continue to make unprecedented sacrifices to help slow the spread of COVID-19 across our state,” Whitmer said. “This buy-back program will help our bars and restaurants critical to Michigan’s economy weather the storm through this challenging time in our history.”

The Michigan Liquor Control Commission is expected to meet Tuesday to take official action regarding this executive order.

Licensees must make their request no later than 5 p.m. Friday, April 17, using the online form on the MLCC website.