LANSING – The House Regulatory Reform Committee heard testimony today on state House Bill 4074, introduced by state Rep. Scott Dianda (D-Calumet), allowing gas stations in very small communities to sell beer and wine. Currently, gas stations that sell beer and wine must maintain at least $10,000 in inventory.
“I want to thank committee Chairman Rep. Ray Franz for giving my bill a hearing and allowing business owners from my House district to testify by Skype,” said Dianda. “As we all know, the Upper Peninsula has many small communities and this bill would allow local businesses in those communities to better serve their customers without having to stock more inventory than they really need.”
Dianda’s constituents Jim Wilmers, owner of the Cliff View Bar in Keweenaw County, and Mike McMahon, former president of the Keweenaw ATV Trail Club, testified in support of HB 4074. The bill would waive the $10,000 inventory requirement for businesses located in a township with a population density of less than 4 people per square mile within a county with a population density of less than 11 people per square mile.
“I also want to thank Mr. Wilmers and Mr. McMahon for taking time out of their day to testify in support of my bill. I introduced this bill last session also, so I’m glad to see it moving farther now. I look forward to working with my colleagues to see this passed and signed into law,” Dianda said.