Sturgis-Coldwater News

The House Committee on Regulatory Reform has given its approval to a bill proposed by Rep. Jennifer Wortz, aimed at allowing local voters in Hillsdale County to repeal the existing ban on Sunday liquor sales at bars and restaurants.

Earlier this month, Wortz presented her case before the committee alongside several bar owners from Hillsdale County: Brett Boyd of Underdogs, Adam Day of The Oak’s Tavern, and Kevin Conant of Here’s To You Pub & Grub. The county's "blue law" currently prohibits the sale of spirits and mixed spirit drinks for on-premises consumption from 7 a.m. each Sunday until 2 a.m. Monday. This prohibition makes Hillsdale County unique in the state as it is the only countywide restriction still in place regarding Sunday alcohol sales.

“Hillsdale is the only county in the state with a ‘blue law’ restricting liquor sales on Sundays,” stated Wortz, R-Quincy. “The ban prohibits people from purchasing liquor at restaurants, bars, and breweries in Hillsdale County, yet they can go buy it at a grocery or convenience store. Because of this, small business owners believe patrons are taking their business to neighboring counties — and even to Indiana and Ohio. This bill will allow local voters a chance to repeal the ban and support local restaurant businesses.”

Current state law mandates that repealing such bans requires voter approval through a process that has proven challenging due to complicated procedures for placing repeal questions on ballots. Wortz's proposal seeks to simplify this process by offering clearer ballot language.

“In a rural area like Hillsdale, it’s difficult to collect enough signatures to put a repeal proposal on the ballot,” Wortz said. “What’s more, the ballot language required by state law is confusing and complicates the process. My plan will streamline the process and clarify the ballot wording so voters can weigh in, exercise their local control, and repeal the liquor ban if they so choose.”

Hillsdale County already permits alcoholic beverage sales for off-premises consumption on Sundays. However, past attempts by officials and residents to lift restrictions on Sunday sales for consumption at bars have failed due to procedural complexities under current state law.

House Bill 4398 proposes reducing signature requirements needed for placing a measure on ballots—from 8% down to 5% of those who voted in recent secretary of state elections—and allows direct placement by county commissioners onto ballots.

Moreover, this legislation intends to revise how questions appear on ballots; instead of asking if voters wish continued prohibition (where "yes" maintains status quo), new phrasing would ask if permitting such sales should occur—thus making "yes" signify lifting restrictions.

The bill now proceeds toward consideration before reaching full house discussion stages.

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