LANSING (WXYZ) — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is offering some financial relief to Michigan bars and restaurants devastated by the COVID-19 health crisis.
On Monday, Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-46, which tasks the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) with initiating a spirits buy-back program, a release states.
“Michigan’s 8,500 on-premises liquor licensees continue to make unprecedented sacrifices to help slow the spread of COVID-19 across our state,” Whitmer said. “This buy-back program will help our bars and restaurants critical to Michigan’s economy weather the storm through this challenging time in our history.”
The order is for bars and restaurants with on-premises liquor licenses that have been impacted by statewide closures due to the health crisis.
The MLCC will now be able to use its revolving fund to buy spirits that remain in inventory from Michigan bars and restaurants that were purchased before March 16, 2020. The buy-back of spirits will be at full purchase price, according to the governor's office.
Liquor licensees approved for the program have until 90 days after the state’s emergency and disasters declarations are lifted to re-purchase the spirits from the MLCC, a release states.
The MLCC will meet Friday, April 14 to take action on the executive order, and licensees have to make their requests no later than Friday, April 17 at 5 p.m. using the online form here.
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