By Laura Weber, Michigan Public Radio Network
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-926868.mp3
LANSING, MI –
People would be allowed to buy alcohol on Sunday mornings and Christmas Day under a liquor bill rushed through the Legislature this week.
AUDIO:
The multi-faceted liquor bill has been called a "Christmas Tree" by many lawmakers and lobbyists, in that it is ornamented with many unique pieces. That includes allowing sales on Christmas, on Sunday mornings, and in retirement facilities. It also would also allow beer and wine tastings in grocery stores.
State Representative Andrew Kandrevas says it's a collaborative bill that allowed some measures to pass that would not stand on their own.
"I think it was good legislation because people were able to get what they need in order to make this pass for the good of the budget, in some aspects."
It's unclear how much the liquor bill would actually raise in revenue. A spokeswoman for Governor Granholm says the bill went from eight pages to 58 pages in a matter of hours, so it will take careful consideration to figure out how much money it would generate, and whether the governor will sign or veto the liquor bill.