I believe this started when Prohibition was repealed in 1933. Michigan had been dry with regards to hard liquor - at least officially - long before Prohibition was enacted, perhaps as early as 1900. There was a flourishing trade in booze from Canada and surrounding states. I recall the major change in alcoholic beverage control in Michigan was in the late 1960's when that bars and restaurants were allowed to sell alcohol on Sundays during limited hours, I believe between Noon and 9 p.m. If you are interested in the history of Prohibition the best book out there is Last Call by Daniel Okrent - Excellent. I have another story about "bottle on the table" drinking, but this post is already too long.