LANSING (WWJ) – Michiganders may soon be pouring their own drinks at bars, as a bill aimed at bringing self-serve liquor machines to the state is one step away from reaching the governor’s desk.
The bill, which aims to control alcohol consumption and help businesses cope with staffing shortages, passed a House committee and will now be put to a vote on the House floor.
Sen. Jim Runestead, a sponsor of the bill, tells WWJ the self-serve machines would require customers to get a wristband that verifies they’re of legal drinking age, and it would cut them off after about three drinks.
The technology would be supplied by a company called iPourIt.
The machines, comparable to what you would see in the checkout lanes at a grocery store or McDonald’s, would dispense beers in 16-oz. increments and wine and mixed drinks in 12-oz. increments until customers reach 32 ounces, according to a report from WOOD TV in February.
Runestead told WWJ customers may be able to get more drinks after reaching that limit.
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“You’re only getting about three drinks and then you have to go back, show that you’re not being impaired, that there’s no problems, and have to pay for a recharge of the bracelet,” Runestead said.
He said this helps control consumption, which typically doesn’t happen when bartenders are serving drinks, unless they’re paying special attention.
He says it will also help bars in the midst of a staffing shortage, which will reduce wait times for customers.
Under current Michigan law, self-serve alcohol is only allowed if it is first served at a table, such as pitchers or "beer towers."
The bill will go in front of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer if it passes a House vote.
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