LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The state of Michigan will offer cash-strapped bars and restaurants relief by buying back their liquor inventory during the coronavirus pandemic.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an order late Monday authorizing the program.
She also is delaying the expiration of valid driver’s licenses and state ID cards.
And she is extending a measure to keep intact a prohibition against dine-in service at restaurants and to continue the closure of many places of public ccommodation through April 30.
Michigan’s 8,500 on-premises liquor licensees will have until Friday to request March 16.
Whitmer says the growth in coronavirus infections is starting to flatten due to the extraordinary restrictions on people’s movements. But she warned Monday that this doesn't mean business as usual will resume quickly or soon.
Whitmer says “we’ve got to make sure that we avoid a second wave at all costs." Her stay-at-home order is in effect through April 30.
The state has reported nearly 1,000 new COVID-19 cases and 115 additional deaths, bringing total cases to more than 25,600. Michigan has the third highest death toll in the U.S., with 1,600-plus deaths.
