Senate Bill 976 Summary

• Allows specially designated distributor and merchant license holders to own and operate motor vehicle fuel pumps on or adjacent to licensed premises if located in a neighborhood shopping center with at least 50,000 square feet of retail space and maintains a minimum inventory of $100,000 at cost (reduced from $250,000) of non-alcoholic goods and services.

• Permits fuel pumps at licensed premises in townships with 7,000 or fewer residents that are not contiguous with other townships, if the applicant maintains a minimum inventory of $12,500 at cost and obtains township approval by resolution.

• Allows fuel pumps at licensed premises in small cities, villages, or townships (3,500 or fewer residents in counties with 31,000+ population, or 4,000 or fewer in smaller counties) if applicant maintains minimum inventory of $10,000-$12,500 at cost depending on license type.

• Requires the alcohol sales location to be at least 50 feet away from motor vehicle fuel dispensing points.

• Permits existing license holders to acquire ownership interests in fuel pumps already operating at the same location, and allows the commission to transfer licenses to persons acquiring interests in existing fuel pump operations.