LANSING (WWJ) – College sports fans in Michigan are now just a signature away from being able to enjoy an adult beverage at a football, basketball or hockey game.
The Michigan House of Representatives on Tuesday approved a bill that allows for alcohol sales at sporting events at the state's 15 public universities, if the university boards approve.
Senate Bill 247, which passed on an 85 to 23 vote, would allow state regulators to license universities to sell alcohol at stadiums. Sales would be allowed an hour before kickoff, tip-off or puck drop and would be required to end by the time the game does.
The bill now heads to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk for approval.
Prior to the passage of the bill, the University of Michigan and Michigan State University were two of only three schools in the Big Ten conference that don’t permit alcohol sales at games. Nebraska remains the only Big Ten school without alcohol sales, while USC and UCLA will sell booze when they join the conference next year.
Western Michigan University and Grand Valley State University have already indicated they’re interested in moving forward with alcohol sales at games.
Proponents of the bill have argued it will better regulate drinking on game days and cut down on binge drinking at tailgates and pre-game parties.
But Hamtramck Rep. Abraham Aiyash urged his colleagues to “think twice before you vote today whether or not we should make our fans drunk in the middle of a beautiful sports match that so many of us enjoy.”
“You can enjoy Michigan State football or basketball or Michigan football and basketball with a nice glass of Coke or bottle of water. And tailgates usually accomplish the goal of getting folks warmed up before the game,” Aiyash said on the House floor Tuesday.
If Whitmer signs the bill, the first alcohol sales could take place this fall.
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