Following of liquor-control violations at the International Champions Cup soccer game played at Michigan Stadium on July 30, 2016, the University of Michigan’s in-house management company, Sodexo Management Inc., has been ordered to pay over $4,500 in fines by Michigan’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
The 24 citations are cited under Section 1433 of the Michigan Liquor Control Commission’s Code and Rules — included in the MLCC January violations report — which bans an on-premise licensee from contracting services from other licensed businesses without approval from the commission.
Some charges were dismissed: Sodexo pled no contest to charges one, three and five, which include serving alcohol to a minor, accepting aid from a vendor and installing bars in the stadium without MLCC permission, according to MLive.
For selling items from outside businesses without permission, such as Bell’s Brewery, Fish Hook Distilling Company, Cottage Inn Pizza and several more, MLCC leveled additional charges, with legal fees totaling $3,600. The companies contracted by Sodexo at the game were also cited for violations if they held an MLCC license.
Michael Loepp, communications director for Michigan’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, told MLive there were no participation permits or food concessions approved by the commission for the soccer game. The Board of Regents, however, approved such a permit at a meeting last April.
In addition to the fines, the MLCC is requiring all Sodexo employees and volunteers to complete a server-training program. According to the agreement, the “licensee will take additional appropriate remedial measures as necessary to ensure the lawful sale of alcohol and will continue to consult with the Enforcement Division of the Michigan Liquor Control Commission in order to avoid further violations of the Michigan Liquor Code.”
Sodexo provided a statement to MLive.
“Sodexo strives to create safe and healthy environments at the facilities we serve,” the statement read. “This includes abiding by all applicable laws and regulations, including those related to the service of alcoholic beverages. Sodexo has reached a settlement regarding the allegations raised by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.”
The University Athletic Department did not provide a comment at the time of publication.