An industry poll finds roughly one in six Michigan bars and restaurants may have to close if a court ruling increasing Michigan’s minimum wage takes effect.
Last summer, the Michigan Court of Claims ruled the Legislature violated the state constitution when it adopted a ballot proposal to increase the minimum wage, and amended it to delay wage increases.
Justin Winslow is with the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association.
He says a recent poll of Michigan restaurants and bars shows the increase would fall heavier on small businesses.
“They’re the ones who are already in the more vulnerable situation than their chain counterparts. The ones that are more likely to be in that group of closed restaurants permanently from this situation.” said Winslow.
The court ruling is still being appealed.