MI Drops Ban on Liquor Store Election Signs

The First Amendment does not dissolve in vodka

DETROIT – The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan applauded the Michigan Liquor Control Commission's decision today to stop enforcing its rule barring businesses with liquor licenses from displaying election signs. The ACLU of Michigan filed a federal lawsuit last week on behalf the Aut Bar, a popular restaurant and bar in Ann Arbor, arguing that the rule violated the First Amendment.

"With the election just two weeks away, we are pleased that the Liquor Control Commission has agreed to stop enforcing an archaic rule that violated the free speech rights of Michigan bar and restaurant owners for more than 50 years," said Michael J. Steinberg, ACLU of Michigan legal director. "As of today, restaurant, bars and liquor store owners throughout the state are free to display election signs on their own property without fear of being fined or losing their liquor license."