ALPENA – A proposed law in Michigan could lower the age of people who are able to sell or serve alcohol.
The law would lower the age of someone selling or serving alcoholic beverages from 18 years old to 17 years old.
It does not impact the legal drinking age in Michigan, which remains 21 years old.
Action on the bill hasn’t been taken in the state senate as of Wednesday.
It is hoped House bill 4232 will help bars, restaurants, and stores who struggle to keep and recruit workers. It may also provide more flexibility to business when hiring and attract more employees, especially those who may be just entering the workforce.
State Rep. Sue Allor, R-Wolverine, voted for the proposed law because she believes it can help businesses – that have operated shorthanded for many months – fill positions. She said some businesses already employ 17 year olds, but they are restricted in what they can do involving alcohol, which puts employers in a bind. Allor said she believes the law will help businesses operate more efficiently and with more staff.
“I have received many calls from businesses who are struggling to find workers,” Allor said. “They told me they had high school kids applying, but couldn’t hire them because of the alcohol law. I felt because of the current economic climate, shutdowns, and staffing shortages, this would be something I could do to help them.”
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