Michigan: Are happy hour drink specials legal?
Michigan allows happy hours but limits unlimited-drink deals and bans selling one person 3 or more identical drinks for one price.
A state law limits unlimited drinks for a set price to narrow conditions and bars selling 3 or more identical drinks to one person for one price. A liquor rule with similar limits (R 436.1438) was rescinded in 2025, but the statute still applies. A separate rule bars selling alcohol below the licensee's cost without commission approval. No state rule sets happy hour times.
Conditions
- Unlimited drinks for one price only under set conditions
- No 3 or more identical drinks to one person for one price
- No sales below the licensee's cost without a commission order
What the law says
An on-premises licensee shall not sell, offer to sell, or advertise the sale of an unlimited quantity of alcoholic liquor at a specific price unless all of the following conditions are met: ... (2) An on-premises licensee shall not sell, offer to sell, or advertise the sale of 3 or more identical drinks containing alcoholic liquor to an individual for the individual's consumption for 1 price.
Sources
- MCL 436.2014 (Michigan Legislature) Official · legislature.mi.gov
- Mich. Admin. Code R 436.1055 (Cornell LII) Mirror of official text · law.cornell.edu
Confirm with the state
- Agency
- Michigan Liquor Control Commission
- Website
- michigan.gov
How bordering states compare
- Indiana Allowed with limitsIndiana has allowed happy hours since July 2024, capped at 4 hours a day and 15 a week, never 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.
- Ohio Allowed with limitsOhio allows happy hours before 9 p.m. but bans late-night discounts, two-for-one deals, and unlimited drinks for a fixed price.
- Wisconsin AllowedWisconsin's alcohol laws have no rule limiting happy hours or drink specials at bars and restaurants.