Gov. approves simplified alcohol catering rules

LANSING (AP) -- Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has approved a new law that could make it easier to cater or host a party. The bill signed Tuesday will allow caterers with the proper licenses to provide alcohol at events not on their premises. Current law sometimes requires that beer, wine and spirits be bought separately from a retailer and transported to a private event if it's not at a caterer's licensed place of business. Caterers could serve the alcohol but couldn't supply it unless they also bought and transferred another type of liquor license. The new law will make it easier for caterers with their regular liquor licenses to supply the alcohol for events hosted at private locations. They must buy an annual catering permit and provide an employee to bartend. Published: Thu, Apr 21, 2011