This afternoon, Tuesday April 19, 2011, Governor Rick Snyder signed Senate Bill No. 5 and enacted the Catering Permit to expand the services licensees can make available to the public.  This new addition to the Michigan Liquor Control Act allows public on-premise licensees, as well as off-premise SDM or SDD licensees, that are also licensed by the State as a food service establishment or a retail food establishment under the Food Act of 2000, to acquire a Catering Permit from the MLCC.

            This new Permit will allow the qualified licensee to sell and deliver beer, wine and spirits in the original containers as long as the sale is not by the glass or drink and the permit holder serves the beer, wine and spirits at a private event.  A private event is one where no money is charged to attend the event or purchase alcoholic beverages and is not open to the public at large.  An example would be a party at a private home or office or similar off premise location.  The licensee can cater to multiple locations during the same time period.  The permit holder or its employee must have completed an approved server training program and must verify that the person receiving the alcoholic beverages is of legal age to do so in Michigan.  The delivery person must also have on his or her person written documentation certifying that the alcoholic beverages are being provided to a private event conducted under this Section of the Liquor Act.  The annual fee for the permit is $100 and there is an application fee of $70 for the permit upon filing an application that the Commission is preparing.

            This is a great opportunity to provide off site catering to private parties with the ability to now provide the alcoholic beverages along with the food service at the event.  If you are interested in obtaining a Catering Permit please let us know or if you have any questions about this permit, give us a call.