Michigan Restaurant Association applauds signature of wine “re-corking” bill Common sense “merlot-to-go” measure is now state law
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Andy Deloney
May 19, 2005 (517) 204-2527
LANSING – The Michigan Restaurant Association (MRA) today applauded Governor Jennifer Granholm for signing into law a common sense piece of legislation which would allow restaurants to “re-cork” or re-seal partially-consumed bottles of wine for diners to carry home with them. The new law, introduced by state Sen. Jud Gilbert (R-Algonac) with bi-partisan support takes effect immediately. The bill passed both the Michigan Senate and House of Representatives with overwhelming votes of support.
“We are grateful to Governor Jennifer Granholm and the Michigan Legislature for their bi-partisan consideration and support of the “merlot-to-go” bill,” said Andy Deloney, MRA director of public affairs.
Under the old Michigan law, if a diner in a restaurant requested a bottle of wine but consumed only a portion of it, they were not allowed to bring the rest home with them. The new law allows exactly that.
The affect of the re-corking law in other states has been two-fold. First, the law reduces the apprehension among diners to purchase a high value wine. Second, these laws have a positive impact on the problem of drunk driving. Currently, if diners choose a bottle of wine and are concerned about getting full value for the purchase, they are more likely to consume the entire bottle so as to not waste any.
The “merlot to go” law is effective immediately, meaning restaurant operators and their guests can now enjoy the benefits of this new Michigan law.
Founded in 1921, the MRA represents more than 4,500 Michigan foodservice establishments. The foodservice industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 430,000 people and creating $11.3 billion in annual sales.
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