A new Michigan law gives new businesses the option of purchasing a “conditional” or temporary liquor license to allow the sale of alcohol while the state performs its investigation of the owners.

Previously, a new owner purchasing a restaurant or bar had to wait until an investigation was competed before the license could be transferred.   Sometimes this process could take six months.

The conditional license can be granted in 20 days after submitting some basic documentation and can continue for up to a year while the investigation is being completed.

Senate Bill 981 which has yet to be passed into law would allow a conditional license for non-same location.  This means a bistro license or new issue license could obtain a conditional license before getting final approval.