Liquor: licenses; local legislative body approval for a specially designated merchant license or specially designated distributor license; require. Amends sec. 533 of 1998 PA 58 (MCL 436.1533).

SB 624 amends Michigan's liquor control law to update rules for "specially designated merchant licenses" (for businesses selling liquor with food) and "specially designated distributor licenses." It requires applicants for these licenses to hold specific existing licenses (like food service, hotel, or club licenses) and sets population-based quotas: one merchant license per 1,000 residents (with exceptions for certain businesses or locations without nearby licenses). The bill also adds a new waiver for applicants holding motor fuel retail licenses and clarifies transfer rules for licenses between counties. These changes directly affect restaurants, hotels, marinas, and other businesses seeking liquor sales licenses in Michigan.