BYOW? House Bill 5046 Would Make It a Reality

Rep. Jim Stamas is sponsoring House Bill 5046.

Michigan’s restaurant patrons could soon be bringing more than just their appetites with them the next time they visit their favorite restaurant. House Bill 5046 sponsored by Representative Jim Stamas would allow a consumer who is not prohibited from possessing wine, to bring and consume wine not purchased on the premises with them. The wine must be in its original sealed container and must be produced by a wine maker, a small wine maker, or an out-of state entity that is the substantial equivalent of a wine maker or small wine maker.

The bill also prohibits the removal of a partially consumed bottle of wine unless the licensee (restaurant) or licensee’s clerk, agent, or employee caps the bottle or reinserts the cork so that the top of the cork is level with the lip of the bottle. A corkage fee established by the licensee for each bottle of wine brought and opened on location could be charged.
 
The bill is supported by a broad group of industry professionals and recently passed the House of Representatives overwhelmingly, 105-5. The bill awaits Senate committee referral, but proponents of the legislation are optimistic and excited about the new opportunity the bill would afford Michigan’s restaurant patrons. If the legislature were to pass the bill, Michigan would join at least 25 other states who already allow the practice.