A plan to relax the state's alcohol rules is meeting resistance from some public health groups, law enforcement, and businesses.
Governor Rick Snyder’s administration wants to make it easier for businesses like gas stations and farmers markets to sell alcohol. But a coalition opposing the plan says that could lead to more crime and violence.
Bob Stevenson directs the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police. He says police are overburdened enough without expanding the availability of alcohol.
"When all these additional locations are selling alcohol to the motorists that are out there, potentially under-age drivers, we just don’t have the manpower out on the street to adequately police that and make sure they’re following the laws," says Stevenson.
Stevenson’s group also worries about a plan to eliminate fingerprinting for liquor license applicants.
Officials with the Office of Regulatory Reinvention say access to alcohol would not significantly increase under the plan.
