Ann Arbor Bar Sues Over Right to Display Signs

Aut Bar owner Martin Contreras has filed suit against the chair of the Michigan Liquor Control Commission for the right to display political campaign signs on the premises of his establishment in Braun Court, located in downtown Ann Arbor. Contreras is being represented by the ACLU of Michigan in the First Amendment case. The MLCC has a rule that prohibits display of campaign signs: “A licensee shall not display advertising that advocates the election of a person or political party on the inside or outside of a licensed premise, …” The exceptions of conventions or fundraisers provided in the rule don’t apply to the ongoing routine operation of a bar. The complaint asks, among other things, for a permanent injunction against the enforcement of the MLCC sign prohibition. The suit was filed on Oct. 18, 2012 in U.S. District Court. [.pdf of complaint]

Update: On Oct. 24, 2012, the ACLU of Michigan issued a press release noting that earlier in the day, the MLCC made a decision to stop enforcing its rule barring businesses with liquor licenses from displaying election signs. In the written statement, ACLU of Michigan legal director Michael J. Steinberg said: “As of today, restaurant, bars and liquor store owners throughout the state are free to display election signs on their own property without fear of being fined or losing their liquor license.” [link to ACLU press release]