Liquor And Lotto Halted If State Shuts Down
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Updated: 3:03 PM Sep 27, 2007
Liquor And Lotto Halted If State Shuts Down
Hard liquor distribution and lotto games like Club Keno would be put on hold if the state shuts down.
Posted: 10:23 PM Sep 26, 2007
Reporter: Lauren Zakalik
Email Address: lauren.zakalik@wilx.com
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Happy hour might not be so happy next Monday.

"Because hard liquor is purchased through the state, we're told all deliveries will stop to bars and restaurants if the state does shut down," says Lance Binoniemi of the Michigan Licensed Beverage Association.

It doesn't matter if orders were placed in advance, no booze will be brought to businesses if the state shuts down. They'll have to make do with the stock of sauce they already have.

And the sobering news doesn't stop there.

"If the state shuts down, the lottery division will stop, that means any major lottery will stop, as well as Club Keno," Binoniemi says.

For places like Art's Bar in Lansing, it'd be a double whammy if the state shuts down. Club Keno and hard liquor are two of their biggest sellers.

"It'll hurt our business a lot, definitely," says bartender Ben Armstrong.

Most of the patrons at Art's Bar Wednesday night were partaking in both mixed drinks and Club Keno. They winced when they heard both these fan favorites could be on their last call.

"As someone who drinks and plays lotto like Club Keno, I think it's bad," says one patron.

For now, business owners and liquor lovers are being told to stock up-- and gamblers, well, they've got their own ideas.

"I guess I'll just have to go to Canada!" laughs another patron.

It might be funny now, but come Monday, all bets are off if liquor and lotto are no longer available.


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