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"Free speech is alive again at Michigan bars and restaurants"

Michigan bar owners will be allowed to display political signs in their taverns.

The Michigan Liquor Control Commission today agreed to stop enforcing a 1954 rule which barred businesses with liquor licenses from posting signs endorsing political candidates.

The owners of Ann Arbor's Aut Bar filed suit against the rule last week, after they were told they had to take down signs for Democratic candidates.

“Their signs are back up,"  says Michael Steinberg with the ACLU, "free speech is alive again at bars and restaurants.”

The rule is still on the books. But Liquor Control Commission members say they will take steps to permanently repeal the political sign ban.

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting.