The Michigan Legislature held a meeting on September 18, 2025, focusing on regulatory reform that included significant discussions on updates to alcohol sales regulations. The primary topic was a bill aimed at including canned cocktails in the same promotional category as beer, which advocates argue is essential for the growing market of ready-to-drink beverages.

The bill seeks to modernize existing laws to ensure that canned cocktails can be promoted similarly to beer, reflecting their increasing popularity among consumers. This change is seen as a technical but crucial adjustment for industry members who wish to remain competitive.

Another key issue discussed was the electronic funds transfer (EFT) system mandated for transactions between distributors and retailers. This regulation was initially supported for enhancing driver safety and operational efficiency by reducing cash handling. However, concerns were raised about the financial burden placed on distributors due to bad actors who bounce payments without facing consequences. The proposed reforms aim to shift the cost of bounced payments from distributors to the retailers responsible for the failures, thereby deterring such practices.

Additionally, the meeting addressed updates to laws regarding alcohol sales at university stadiums. The proposed changes aim to align the regulations for university venues with those of professional stadiums, allowing for promotional activities similar to those seen at major sports events.

Overall, these discussions highlight the Michigan Legislature's efforts to adapt alcohol regulations to current market trends and improve operational fairness within the industry. The next steps will involve further deliberation on these proposals to ensure they meet the needs of both consumers and industry stakeholders.