LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Big-box grocery stores such as Meijer can now sell beer and wine at their gas station convenience stores under legislation signed by Republican Gov. Rick Snyder.
Snyder’s Tuesday action lets grocery store gas stations count grocery supplies in other buildings toward meeting a booze-selling requirement.
Some lawmakers from rural districts and gas station convenience store owners say it gives big businesses a leg up on the competition, letting them meet startup capital requirements automatically.
Republican Rep. Ray Franz, of Onekama, says it’s a “carve out” for the big retailers. He and GOP Reps. Peter Pettalia of Presque Isle and Ed McBroom of Vulcan also opposed the bill.
Bill sponsor and Republican Aric Nesbitt says it allows for a “more open, more competitive marketplace.”
