Lawmaker testifies before House Regulatory Reform Committee

State Rep. Roger Hauck today testified before the House Regulatory Reform Committee in support of his plan making the John G. Kulhavi Events Center at Central Michigan University eligible for an on-premises liquor license.

Under state liquor laws, a college or university can obtain a liquor license to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises of a “conference center” operated by the governing board of the institution. Hauck’s plan would add the Kulhavi Events Center to the list of buildings considered conference centers and therefore make it eligible to obtain an on-premises liquor license.

Hauck said his plan would allow Central Michigan University to utilize its event facility to its full potential, adding the Legislature has approved on-premises liquor licenses for other colleges and universities across the state.

“The purpose of this plan is to allow CMU to obtain a liquor license specifically for the John G. Kulhavi Event Center without having to frequently reapply for a license,” Hauck said. “Rather than be limited to a few licenses per year, this would give the university much more flexibility to host a wider variety of events such as fundraisers, banquets, weddings, award ceremonies and business conferences.”

Hauck also clarified that his plan would not create a bar on campus, but a liquor license only to be used for special events.

The legislation, House Bill 4912, remains in the House Regulatory Reform Committee for further consideration.