State Rep. Tom Kuhn (R-Troy) scored a win today for Michigan small business owners as the House passed his bill that brings more fairness, focus, and efficiency to state liquor regulations.

House Bill 4114 allows the Michigan Liquor Control Commission to focus on recent and relevant violations, those occurring within the past two years, when making licensing decisions. Older violations would no longer factor into compliance reviews unless they resulted in a license revocation.

 “Small business owners who’ve demonstrated good conduct shouldn’t be permanently penalized for old, minor infractions,” said Kuhn. “This bill gives them a clear path forward after two years of compliance, while still holding serious offenders accountable. With so many hardworking entrepreneurs navigating complex regulations and economic pressure, this reform helps make the system work better for everyone.”

With nearly 20,000 licensees across the state, the change also improves regulatory efficiency. Rather than revisiting outdated issues, the commission can concentrate on current conduct and meaningful enforcement.

Also advancing in the House was House Bill 4113, which Kuhn co-sponsored, would increase the liquor discount for retailers from 17% to 23%. This provides direct financial relief to small businesses, especially bars, restaurants, and shops, still recovering from years of rising costs and inflation.

“These reforms are about practical, pro-small-business policy,” said Kuhn. “We’re promoting fairness, improving enforcement, and giving small retailers a better chance to thrive.”