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HB 5059

Liquor: other; engraving of bottles of spirits; allow. Amends 1998 PA 58 (MCL 436.1101 - 436.2303) by adding sec. 609k.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tyrone Carter and 10 co-sponsors

Authorizes engraving on spirit bottles by approved vendors at designated distributors, before/after sale or during sanctioned sampling, with rules to keep bottles compliant.

placed on third reading
#liquor:other
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Bill Summary · HB 5059

Summary — House Bill 5059 (Engraving of Spirit Bottles)

Purpose and Scope

House Bill 5059 would amend the Michigan Liquor Control Code (1998 PA 58) by adding new Sec. 609k to authorize engraving services on bottles of spirits. The engraving could occur either before a bottle is sold to a consumer or after a consumer has purchased a bottle, but only for bottles sold by specially designated distributors. The bill also allows engraving during a consumer sampling event, under specified conditions.

Key Provisions

  • Authorized Engravers and Activities

    • A vendor of spirits; a vendor representative, salesperson, or broker representing the vendor; or a third party providing engraving services may engrave a bottle of spirits.

  • Engraving Before Sale

    • Engraving may occur before the bottle is sold to a consumer.

  • Engraving After Consumer Purchase

    • If a bottle is purchased by a consumer from a specially designated distributor, engraving may occur, with these conditions:
    • The engraver may pick up the bottle from the distributor’s licensed premises and return it after engraving for the consumer to pick up.
    • Possession by a retailer of the engraved bottle (returned as described) would not violate section 901 of the code.

  • Engraving During Consumer Sampling Events

    • Engraving may occur on a bottle purchased by a consumer from a distributor’s inventory during a consumer sampling event, conducted by a vendor with a consumer sampling event license or by a vendor representative, salesperson, or broker representing the supplier, consistent with section 1027.

  • Other Details

    • Applies to bottles sold by specially designated distributors.
    • Proposed new MCL 436.1609k.

Affected Parties

  • Spirits vendors, their representatives, salespeople, and brokers.
  • Third-party engraving service providers.
  • Specially designated distributors and their licensees.
  • Retailers handling engraved bottles.
  • Consumers who purchase engraved bottles or participate in approved sampling events.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: March 13, 2025 by Rep. Mike Hoadley.
  • Committee: Regulatory Reform (referred from Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans’ Affairs on an earlier action)
  • Status as of Document: Electronically reproduced September 26, 2025; first reading on September 26, 2025; companion bill SB 2813 noted.
  • Text References: Adds new Sec. 609k to the Michigan Liquor Control Code; relates to MCL 436.1101–436.2303.

Fiscal Impact

  • The House Fiscal Agency analysis concludes there would be no fiscal impact on state or local government.

Practical Considerations

  • The bill balances promotional engraving with liquor regulations by tying engraving activity to distributor premises and consumer pick-up processes, and by allowing engraving during sanctioned sampling events.
  • It clarifies possession rules to prevent inadvertent violations when engraved bottles are returned to licensed premises.

Related Measures

  • Companion bill: SB 2813. Also linked to the existing provisions of the Liquor Control Code (MCL 436.1101–436.2303).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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