LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – With the state legislature slated to take a break until after the new year next week, the Executive Director of the Michigan Licensed Beverage Association says it’s “crunch time” for bars and restaurants in the state.
Earlier this month, Governor Gretchen Whitmer called on the Michigan legislature to pass $100 million in funding for bars, restaurants, and other businesses. Negotiations continue, but no deal has been struck yet.
MLBA Executive Director Scott Ellis said Tuesday “Choosing not to act and leaving this in the hands of congressional leaders on the federal level would be a dangerous decision.” He said if thousands of bars and restaurants don’t receive the help they need and are forced to close their doors forever, the MLBA believes the state will lose billions in future revenue.
Data gathered from a MLBA survey last month showed that 51 percent of bars and restaurants said they could not survive more than three months under current conditions.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation Tuesday did begin taking applications on a first-come-first-served basis for $10 million in grants for businesses affected by the ban on indoor dining.
“The $10 million in additional funding through MEDC was gone in minutes. $100 million is a drop in the bucket, but at least it’s something,” Ellis said. “With take-out revenue fading as ordinary people haven’t received the assistance they need, the novelty of cocktails-to-go wearing off and colder weather ending outdoor service for most businesses, our people are simply out of options.”
