New bills introduced in the state Legislature would allow alcohol sales during university football, basketball and hockey games.
Alcohol sales are currently only allowed for fans in stadium suites, but that could change if the measures pass. Democratic Senator Curtis Hertel says selling alcohol to crowds could prevent attendees from binge drinking before games. He also says it’s about fairness.
“If you’re sitting in the suites, or the Huntington Club, then you have access to alcohol, but you can’t get a beer in the stands? It makes sense to me that there’s an issue of fairness there.”
If passed, the Michigan Liquor Control Commission could begin issuing licenses for events. Michigan State University and the University of Michigan are among six of 14 schools in the Big Ten Conference that don’t allow alcohol sales.
