LANSING — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed legislation to let minors work at alcohol wholesalers, the second time in weeks that the state has enacted laws to address worker shortages in the industry by lowering minimum age requirements.
One bill signed Wednesday reduces the age — from 18 to 16 — at which teens can work at wholesalers that buy beer, wine and liquor from suppliers and resell the products to retailers. Another measure lets 16- and 17-year-olds not licensed as salespeople do certain activies such as marking prices and placing brand displays.
In mid-June, the governor signed legislation making Michigan the second state in which 17-year-olds can tend bar and bring alcoholic drinks to tables at restaurants, bars and tasting rooms.
Spencer Nevins, president of the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, said the newest laws “will help address unprecedented labor shortages in the beer and wine industry and prepare Michigan youth for the jobs of tomorrow. These laws will support the many employers that make Michigan’s three-tier system of manufacturing, delivery and retail work.”
