Michigan is Allowing ‘Self-Serve’ Beer, Changing the Bar Industry

If you've always wanted to walk up to a bar and pour your own draft beer, that dream is now a reality. In Michigan, a new bill has passed, allowing Michiganders to pour their own beers, wines and pre-mixed cocktails.

The bill that made the change is Senate Bill 656, which passed earlier this week and amends the Michigan Liquor Control Code of 1998 to let tabletop and wall-mounted taps to be installed.

“Michigan has one of the largest craft beer industries in the country and this bill will improve safety for Michigan consumers and our hospitality industry," Senator Jim Runestad, who put together the legislation, said in a statement. "Michigan can now join 45 other states that currently allow self-dispensing technology as an option for busy establishments. The technology adds additional safety measures to limit and track the amount each individual consumes and reduces the touches on each individual glass.”

As for how other states handle this, self-serve alcohol is usually handled via a card system. Customers give the waitstaff, bartender or host a credit card when they get there, and they get a self-serve card. This card keeps a record of how many ounces you have poured. Then, when you leave the bar, you give back your self-serve card, and they charge your credit card on file. As someone who worked at a bar in college, I can't imagine having the customers do this on their own. It certainly would have cut into my tips. I'm not sure how I feel about this, since many waitstaff depend on alcohol sales to make good tips. Hopefully it doesn't take away from the earnings for hard-working waitstaff.

Nothing says summertime like fried chicken. As a kid, I remember that whenever my family went to a picnic, my dad would bring fried chicken, and everyone loved it. Granted, it was KFC fried chicken, but it didn't matter, because fried chicken is simply a summertime staple at any picnic or gathering.

Michigan has so many fantastic restaurants, and many of them specialize in fried chicken. While I usually think of that cuisine as more of a Southern food, we Michiganders have are own versions that are just as tasty. Also, as a vegetarian, I have to say that I've had some great vegetarian versions of the popular American food. They can be hit or miss, but the hits make it worth it.

So, if you're in the mood for crispy chicken, where do you go? We've scoured the state to find some of the best restaurants that offer fried chicken out there. We have spots from all over the Mitten, so no matter where you live, hopefully you'll find an option near you. Also, at each of these restaurants, you can tell the owners and workers have such pride about their establishment and food. It's really inspiring. That's all the more reason to try any and all of the restaurants listed below, whether you're in the mood for chicken or another tasty dish. What's your favorite place to grab a plate of chicken? Reach out to me at anne.erickson@bbgi.com and let me know.

Are you ready to get your grub on?

https://www.greendotstables.com/

http://www.ivaschickendinners.com/

https://gusfriedchicken.com/

http://chickencoop.biz/

https://www.smokeandporter.com/

https://www.krzysiaks.com/

https://www.cousinstastychicken.com/

https://marquettecajun.com/dining-menu/

http://thehenhouserestaurant.com/

https://ma-lous.com/

http://commonpub.com/