Would DUIs really end with the introduction of liquor home delivery?
Having food, particularly pizza, delivered to your house is such a common practice nowadays, that no one gives it a second thought. Once Amazon became a household name, the idea that you could order anything and have it delivered right to your doorstep became standard fare. So why should it be any different for alcohol?
It shouldn’t. At least, in Michigan that is! A new law, recently passed, allows liquor stores to apply for a special license which would then allow them to deliver beer, wine and hard liquor right to a customer’s doorstep. However, it’s not just any liquor store that can offer this specialized service. There are requirements that must be met before a store can start delivering alcohol to it’s customer’s homes throughout Michigan.
According to Senate Bill 1088, in order to legally deliver alcohol to customers at home, a business must have both a Specially Designated Merchant license, and a Specially Designated Distributor license. The delivery person, who could either be a licensed employee of the store or a licensed third party driver, must check the state ID or driver’s license of the purchaser upon delivery. They will be required to scan the license or ID to ensure that the purchaser is of age.
Some businesses are not in favor, saying that when people purchase alcohol in a store, they are likely to make other purchases as well. However, a person ordering alcohol isn’t also going to order up a few other items as well. Indeed, most stores don’t offer the opportunity to order a pack of cigarettes, a 2 liter of Mountain Dew or Coke or a bag of chips with your booze-to-go. Therefore, from a profit standpoint, some business owners believe their brick-and-mortar stores will suffer a decline in business. Although not everyone feels this way.
Many people have pointed out the benefits that this new law could have from a drunk driving standpoint. More people drinking at home means fewer people drinking in bars and clubs. Which in turn means fewer intoxicated people on the roads. A win win situation for everyone involved, surely? Well, like most changes, it will take time before we can really say for sure, but reduced drunk driving instances have certainly been touted as a good reason for this law.
In addition to the many potential safety benefits this offers Michigan drivers, there are also convenience benefits to consumers. Not having to go to the store for alcohol means reduced chances for impulse buys, thereby saving money and probably some calories. Less wear and tear on cars. Reduced chances for being arrested for drunk driving, or causing a debilitating accident that can rack up thousands of dollars in medical bills. Or cost someone their life.
As of now, not many liquor stores have applied for the specialty licenses required to deliver alcohol to their customers, so chances are, this law won’t see major change in the way that most Michigan residents consume alcohol in the immediate future. Over the long term, however, we can only hope that there will indeed be fewer intoxicated people behind the wheel, which will mean a reduction in DUI arrests and lost lives.
Until then, if you or a loved one have been arrested for drunk or drugged driving in Michigan, you are going to need an experienced OWI defense attorney on your side. Call 866 766 4245 right now to talk to a highly skilled attorney at The Kronzek Firm. We are available to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
