Join League of Women Voters members for lunch on Monday, Jan. 19 at noon at Coach’s Bar & Grill, 2528 W. Glenlord in Stevensville.

A bar and grill is an appropriate place for a meeting titled “A Jug of Wine, a Bottle of Scotch — and the State of Michigan,” as this meeting is about how beer, wine and liquor is distributed to places like Coach’s as well as liquor stores and grocery stores and, eventually, into our homes.

State Representative Dave Pagel will explain to us how, and why, the state controls the distribution and sale of spirits in Michigan — with one system for liquor and a different system for beer and wine. He will also talk about the taxation of spirits and the role of groups such as the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesaler’s Association — beyond their generous contributions to legislative campaigns. Changes to Michigan’s system, variously described as “odd,” “bizarre” and “dysfunctional,” have been suggested. The issue is coming to the fore with the opening of more small distilleries, breweries and wineries in the state, but will the Legislature decide it’s time to change this very lucrative status quo?

This lunch meeting is open to the public. Reservations are not required and attendees will be ordering off the menu. However, the event organizer would appreciate advance notice if you know you can attend. Please see the calendar page at lwvbcc.org for more information.