In Lansing, Mich., between 59% and 60% of bars and restaurants are operating at a lesser capacity because they don’t have enough servers, according to the Michigan Licensed Beverage Association.
MLBA’s solution: Allow 17 year olds to sell alcohol. Those who are 18 can already do so. It’s currently legal in Maine.
A bill allowing that has passed the Michigan House, 64-39, and was referred to the Senate Committee on Regulatory Reform. You can expect an all-out push in the Senate to block the bill, with the Michigan Liquor Control Commission and anti-alcohol advocates both opposing it. Some cite research that says younger sellers are more likely to sell alcohol to underage and intoxicated patrons.