Cronyism, Michigan, Michigan Politics, Philosophy

Policy Or Purchased Privilege

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Michigan Senate passes late night watering hole expansion.

I can keep this short.

Expanding hours for certain bars within cities is becoming a possibility.  OK, fair enough, if legislators feel that this could help serve a need of those business owners.  But perhaps we ask this question: Is it a special privilege when one licensed liquor seller can sell further into the night by purchasing a special license, or is it just plain good for the community?

We should probably recognize that good public policy is hardly the goal of our elected class any longer.

This one’s on the house.

beer-house

You Betcha! (8)Nuh Uh.(1)

  1 comment for “Policy Or Purchased Privilege”

  1. Corinthian Scales
    December 6, 2014 at 9:46 am

    Oh, I don't know anymore. Isn't everything based upon special carve-outs with a price tag?

    The bill would allow downtown bars and restaurants in cities with downtown development districts to expand the hours they sell alcohol to 4 a.m. Currently, those businesses must stop serving and selling between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m.

    According to a 2007 study by the Livonia-based Citizens Research Council, there are 372 Michigan communities with downtown development authorities.

    Of course, it also helps if one gets into the mindset of a Detoileter.

    Sen. Virgil Smith, D-Detroit, who is sponsoring the bill, said he doesn’t mind that it creates a competitive disadvantage for bars and restaurants outside central business districts [unless it pertains to EBT Cards].

    “In the city of Detroit, we’re flooded with adult clubs,” Smith said, referring to the glut of strip clubs on the edge of the city limits that would not be eligible for later alcohol sales. “I can’t have clubs on 8 Mile staying open until 4 in the morning.”

    Smith added that expanding alcohol serving hours would promote a safe environment by either shutting down or regulating so-called blind pigs, which are makeshift and unlicensed bars that operate illegally after 2 a.m.

    Poof! PFM! SB 247 (reconsider by SML-elect Richardville v2.0 on 12/04/14) is a disinfectant for the Snyder/Calley (never publicly opposed the governor) non-bailout Detroit Bailout.

    Return On Investment, baby!

    You Betcha! (2)Nuh Uh.(0)
    Reply

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