A bar in Western Michigan has decided to remove Russian vodka from its shelves in a stance against the nation’s invasion of bordering neighbor Ukraine.

Gretchen Whitmer has extended the deadline for liquor license renewal by three months, the state announced Friday. Liquor licensees now have until July 30 to extend their 2021 licenses. VIEW: Full list of 40 Michigan businesses that have had liquor licenses suspended over COVID rulesWhitmer said the extension is designed to give more time to businesses that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. They don’t have to wait to renew their licenses, and may do so any time between now and July 30. Businesses that don’t renew and receive an updated license could receive violations or lose their liquor licenses, state officials said.

MARQUETTE, Mich. – A Michigan business has had its liquor licenses and permits suspended because it didn’t require masks, exceeded the capacity limit and stayed open past curfew, according to the state. The maximum capacity allowed for indoor dining is 25%, and a 10 p.m. curfew was installed. Michigan officials accuse the Wooden Nickel, at 1751 Presque Isle Avenue in Marquette, of violating several COVID-19 indoor dining rules. According to the state, the company allowed non-residential indoor gatherings, failed to require cave coverings for staff members and patrons, exceeded the 25% capacity limit and allowed indoor dining after 10 p.m. Since September, the state has suspended the liquor licenses of 40 businesses for alleged violations of COVID-19 emergency orders.

DETROIT – The state of Michigan has suspended the liquor licenses of 41 businesses for violating various COVID-19 safety rules. Odyssey EntertainmentLocation: 700 East Broadway Avenue in Muskegon HeightsDate of suspension: Aug. 26, 2020The Commission ordered an emergency suspension of the Class C License. The Commission issued an emergency suspension order of its Class C and SDM liquor licenses and Sunday sales (p.m.) permit. The Commission issued an emergency suspension order of its Class C and SDM licenses and permit for Sunday sales (p.m.). The Commission issued an emergency suspension order of its Class C and SDM licenses and permit for Sunday sales (p.m.).

DETROIT – The state of Michigan has suspended the liquor licenses of 37 businesses for violating various COVID-19 safety rules. Chapz RoadhouseLocation: 9950 North Greenville Road in LakeviewDate of suspension: Nov. 25, 2020Click here to view the full suspension order. The Commission issued an emergency suspension order of its Class C and SDM liquor licenses and Sunday sales (p.m.) permit. Rock House/Mine ShaftLocation: 915 Razorback Drive in HoughtonDate of suspension: Nov. 25, 2020Click here to view the full suspension order. The Commission issued an emergency suspension order of its Class C and SDM licenses and its permit for Sunday sales (p.m.).

DETROIT – Three Michigan businesses have had their liquor licenses suspended for violating COVID-19 safety rules regarding masks and gatherings, according to the state. The Michigan Liquor Control Commission cited multiple violations of the current Michigan Department of Health and Human Services emergency order. Since September, the MLCC has suspended the liquor licenses of 37 businesses throughout the state. On Jan. 14, the state ordered the emergency suspension of the liquor licenses and permits for 408, Inc. d/b/a The Post Local Bistro. On Jan. 15, the state ordered the emergency suspension of the liquor licenses and permits for KG Hardscrabble, LLC, d/b/a Bitely Tavern.

DETROIT – The state of Michigan has ordered the emergency suspension of liquor licenses for three businesses accused of violating COVID-19 gathering and mask rules. The Michigan Liquor Control Commission cited multiple violations of the current Michigan Department of Health and Human Services emergency order. Since September, the MLCC has suspended the liquor licenses of 34 businesses throughout the state. The cafe’s Class C liquor license and permits for Sunday sales, additional bar, dance entertainment and extended hours was suspended, state officials said. The hearing will determine whether the suspension should continue or be replaced by other fines and penalties, officials said.

LANSING, Mich. Michigan on Wednesday announced a $3 million fine against the state's largest liquor distributor over delays in shipping booze to vendors. NWS Michigan, which does business as Republican National Distributing Co., acknowledged 88 violations of state law to settle an investigation stemming from liquor supply shortages in late 2019. Attorney General Dana Nessel and Michigan Liquor Control Commission Chairman Pat Gagliardi called the penalties unprecedented in liquor regulatory circles. The Liquor Control Commission, which is the sole wholesaler of liquor in Michigan, uses three private distributors. We are glad to have this matter behind us, said Joe Gigliotti, the company's regional president of control states.

LIVONIA, Mich. Michigan has issued a record fine against the Livonia liquor supplier responsible for the shortage that left restaurants scrambling to find alcohol during the holidays. Last fall, the company decided to move over to a state-of-the-art facility in Livonia, but the technology didnt take, and that caused major trouble. The Windmill Market in West Bloomfield has an 11-story shelf to house its liquor offerings, but that supply took a massive hit last fall. We were out of a lot of product, Windmill Market owner Mazen Shaba said. This was back in November.The state ultimately controls the liquor distribution, and officials werent happy with RNDC because of hit-or-miss deliveries.

NASHVILLE – Kid Rock’s bar in Nashville has been hit with a permit suspension by the state for ignoring social distancing rules to prevent the spread of coronavirus. The Metropolitan Beer Permit Board in Tennessee voted to issue a five-day permit suspension to Kid Rock’s Big Honky Tonk & Steakhouse and three other bars in downtown Nashville for ignoring distancing guidelines, the Nashville Tennessean reports. Kid Rock’s bar had previously been fined after a complaint was filed against the establishment earlier this month, along with 14 other establishments. “They were in violation of two points of the order that states bar areas must remain closed to the public,” said inspector Melvin Brown. It’s against our constitutional rights.”In Detroit, Olympia Development of Michigan announced in December 2019 that it wouldn’t extending the lease for Kid Rock’s bar at Little Caesars Arena, which expired in April.

But diving into the issue more closely, the reasons why liquor stores remain open and thriving become a little clearer, even if they are debatable to some. Here are five reasons why it can be beneficial for liquor stores to remain open during the pandemic. Given this, liquor stores technically fall under the category of “food and agriculture” on the level of grocery stores and pharmacies, and thus, are considered essential. Grocery stores don’t have the selection of liquor stores. Do you agree that liquor stores should be considered essential, and thus, be allowed to remain open?