Bars Can Now Stay Open Later

Some Michigan bars would be allowed to stay open later on weekends, under legislation approved by the state Senate. Just hours after being reported out of a Senate committee, the upper-chamber passed a bill that would allow establishments licensed to sell alcohol in central business districts to stay open until 4 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Current law mandates that bars close by 2 a.m. Under this bill, establishments that want to stay open longer must be located in a central business district of the city, village or township to qualify. They also must apply to their local city or village council or township board for approval. Licenses would cost $10,000 annually.