LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A program initiated by Governor Gretchen Whitmer last week to help buy liquor back from licensed carriers has been extended to a later date.
Last week, Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-6, which tasks the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) in creating a spirit buy-back program.
The program is meant to provide financial relief to bars and restaurants who are licensed to sell liquor.
“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 in a statement. “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.”
On Friday, April 17, commissioners approved an extension of the application deadline to Friday, April 24 at 5:00 p.m.
“We’re extending the deadline so that more of our licensees, many of whom are small business owners, can take advantage of this unprecedented program,” MLCC Chair Pat Gagliardi said. “They are the backbone of Michigan’s hospitality and beverage alcohol industries and are vital to Michigan’s economic vitality. These zero-interest measures are being taken to help sustain the financial viability of these business owners who are being severely impacted by this health crisis.”
As last reported, the MLCC has directly notified the 6,000+ on-premises licensees of their eligibility, explained how the program works, and issued instructions on how to apply.
Licensees can apply using an online form and inventory form found at www.michigan.gov/lcc or they may submit the application and inventory form by first class mail, postmarked by Friday, April 24, 2020.
A list of frequently asked questions about the program are also available on the MLCC website.
