17-Year-Olds Are Now Allowed to Serve Alcohol in Michigan

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill earlier this week that would allow 17-year-olds to serve alcohol in a restaurant/bar.

I don't think it will come as a shock to Michiganders that there is a huge labor shortage in the state. I mean, nearly every time that I go out to dinner, the server apologizes in advance for being short-staffed. I'm always very understanding in that situation but that doesn't mean that I like it.

The legal age to serve alcohol dropped from 18 to 17. I'm not sure how much of a difference it will make but the move sure is encouraging.

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Michigan Licensed Beverage Association Executive Director Scott Ellis:

Bars and restaurants throughout Michigan that have been struggling with employment issues applaud the governor for signing this bill into law.

According to ABC 12, 17-year-old servers must complete a training program through the Michigan Liquor Control Commission to handle alcoholic beverages. They must also be supervised by an adult while serving.

Michigan is now the second state in the country to allow 17-year-olds to serve alcohol. The only other state to allow 17 year-olds to serve alcohol is Maine.

We were out to eat not that long ago and we waited for a server so long that we just ended up walking out. I'm an extremely patient person but I'm not waiting longer that 15 minutes for someone to simply acknowledge our existence.

If this new law helps get my cocktail to me a little faster, I'm all about it. Cheers to faster service!