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House approves Rep. Wakeman plan to allow new tap technology in Michigan
RELEASE|February 18, 2022

Measure would offer safe, responsible options for bars and restaurants

State Rep. Rodney Wakeman today led the House in approving a plan to modernize the state’s outdated liquor control laws, which are preventing Michigan bars and restaurants from utilizing safe and responsible technology for serving drinks.

Wakeman, of Saginaw Township, is spearheading the plan to allow bars and restaurants in Michigan to offer controlled access to self-serve machines that dispense beer, wine and mixed spirits in limited quantities.

“This technology is safe,” Wakeman said. “Bars and restaurants in nearly every other state utilize it.”

Under Wakeman’s plan, customers would be allowed to purchase limited quantities of beer, wine, and mixed spirits from an establishment. The technology commonly uses a card or wrist band provided to the customer at the point of sale, where their age is confirmed. The device is then scanned at the tap, keeping track of how much is dispensed. Each serving would be capped at 16 ounces of beer and 12 ounces of wine or mixed spirits under his plan. Individual shots of liquor would not be allowed, and the device would be limited to 32 total ounces.

“Self-pour technology is very popular, especially in the craft beer industry where customers are inclined to sample small amounts of many different brews,” Wakeman said. “It is also a great option for bars and restaurants struggling with staffing shortages – as they all are right now.”

Currently, Michigan law only allows alcoholic beverages to be served to customers in self-serve containers brought to a table by a server – in a pitcher or tabletop tap, for example.

House Bill 5304 now advances to the Senate for further consideration.

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