The University of Michigan is moving forward with plans to apply for liquor licenses that could allow the sale of alcohol at Crisler Center, Michigan Stadium and Yost Ice Arena.
The Board of Regents voted Oct. 19 to authorize asking the Michigan Liquor Control Commission for liquor licenses at the three athletic venues. The board also voted to implement licenses for Crisler and Yost as soon as possible for the current seasons.
Implementation for Michigan Stadium will be voted on at a later date, and after careful consideration and review of data and the experiences at the other two venues.
If approved by the state, alcohol would be available for purchase at U-M intercollegiate sporting events at those venues, as well as during a small number of non-athletic events each calendar year.
Additionally, the athletic department would be responsible for developing procedures to ensure compliance with state of Michigan laws and Liquor Control Commission rules and regulations, and that all U-M policies related to alcohol are observed.
These policies and procedures include measures to ensure alcohol is not served to anyone under the legal drinking age and that only qualified servers dispense alcohol.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill in July lifting Michigan’s ban on alcohol sales at public university stadiums and sports arenas. The bill, which took effect immediately, allows universities to individually determine if they wish to sell alcohol at home sporting events.
University officials are still considering the various ways to use revenue from the sale of alcohol, if the licenses are approved by the state.
Kari Dumbeck
Personally, I feel that as a institute of higher educatdion bringing alcohol into the mix is a bad idea. I’ve already seen what happens to campus and Ann Arbor after one of these events. My daugher being attacked is a good example by a drunk athlete.This will become a bigger, broader problem especially if anyone is drinking and driving. I do not support this by any means.