By Laura Weber
Michigan Public Radio Network
Christmas came early this week for Michigan's wine, beer and liquor industries at the state Capitol under a bill rushed through the Legislature on Sept. 29.
If the bill is approved by the Legislature, alcohol sales on Christmas, on Sunday mornings and in retirement facilities would be permitted. It would also allow beer and wine tastings in grocery stores.
What became a legislative bonanza for the beer, wine and liquor industries began as a debate on a technical bill over wine distribution.
State Representative Andrew Kandrevas sponsored the original, and much smaller, wine bill.
"People were throwing everything at the last minute onto this bill. (But) these were issues that had been discussed at length with all the same parties, and I think it just made sense," Kandrevas said.
A spokeswoman for Governor Granholm said the bill went from eight pages to 58 pages in a matter of hours, so careful consideration will be taken to figure out how much money it would generate and whether Granholm will sign or veto the liquor bill.
Kandrevas said it's a collaborative bill that would allow some measures to pass that could not stand on their own.
"I think it was good legislation because people were able to get what they need in order to make this pass for the good of the budget," he said.
It's unclear how much the liquor bill would actually raise in revenue.
© Copyright 2010, MPRN
Michigan Public Radio Network
Christmas came early this week for Michigan's wine, beer and liquor industries at the state Capitol under a bill rushed through the Legislature on Sept. 29.
If the bill is approved by the Legislature, alcohol sales on Christmas, on Sunday mornings and in retirement facilities would be permitted. It would also allow beer and wine tastings in grocery stores.
What became a legislative bonanza for the beer, wine and liquor industries began as a debate on a technical bill over wine distribution.
State Representative Andrew Kandrevas sponsored the original, and much smaller, wine bill.
"People were throwing everything at the last minute onto this bill. (But) these were issues that had been discussed at length with all the same parties, and I think it just made sense," Kandrevas said.
A spokeswoman for Governor Granholm said the bill went from eight pages to 58 pages in a matter of hours, so careful consideration will be taken to figure out how much money it would generate and whether Granholm will sign or veto the liquor bill.
Kandrevas said it's a collaborative bill that would allow some measures to pass that could not stand on their own.
"I think it was good legislation because people were able to get what they need in order to make this pass for the good of the budget," he said.
It's unclear how much the liquor bill would actually raise in revenue.
© Copyright 2010, MPRN