LANSING (WWJ) – College football fans in Michigan will officially be able to enjoy an alcoholic beverage at a game this fall.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Wednesday she has signed legislation allowing alcohol sales at college sporting events. Senate Bill 247 allows issuance of liquor licenses to sporting venues on premises of public universities across the state.
The new law will allow fans at the Big House and Spartan Stadium – as well as the likes of Eastern Michigan, Wayne State and other public universities across Michigan – to have a beer or cocktail during a game.
Officials say the move will make games safer by cutting down on pre-game binge drinking and put schools “on equal footing with other universities.” Prior to the legalization, Michigan and Michigan State were two of only three schools in the Big Ten Conference to prohibit alcohol sales at games.
Whitmer says it will also “bring in a heck of a lot more revenue that we can use to improve the student experience.”
“I am proud that we are getting this done and making fall evenings at the Spartan Stadium or the Big House safer and more fun, Whitmer said.
Along with the approval of alcohol at college stadiums, Whitmer also signed on Tuesday legislation that will make the state’s “cocktails to-go” service permanent.
The state began allowing restaurants to serve to-go cocktails during the first part of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association says making the idea permanent will give restaurant owners a much-needed economic boost and the opportunity to continue providing a service that customers have enjoyed.
Michigan joins 22 other states and the District of Columbia in signing permanent to-go cocktail legislation.
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