Summary of the Standing Rules
The standing rules that were adopted on June 10, 2025, very clearly clarify the Posts policy on guests. To ensure that we follow the Michigan Liquor Control Commission rules for our type of license, guests cannot purchase alcohol at the Post. Only members can purchase alcohol. This will be strictly monitored to ensure compliance. Any nonmembers should be encouraged to join one of our units.
STANLEY FONS POST 374 STANDING RULES AS OF JUNE 10, 2025
BERKLEY AMERICAN LEGION
POST 374
2079 W. 12 MILE ROAD
BERKLEY, MI 48072
I. CONDUCT
A. Civilized behavior – Legionnaires, Auxiliary, Sons Squadron and Royal Canadian Legion (RCL) members bear the benefits and burdens of membership. All members must adhere to reasonable standards of civilized behavior. Should this fail to happen with members or their guests, they can be barred from participating in Post events and/or membership privileges on a temporary or permanent basis.
Members are reminded that the Legion is a non-political, non-sectarian organization, and all political, religious, or personal arguments are prohibited. This does not preclude freedom of speech or orderly discussions of any subject not subversive or contrary to American principles. However, unnecessarily loud, or protracted arguments/discussions that annoy others are prohibited.
B. Offensive Language – Any person directing foul or obscene language at another person, if the person reasonably feels intimidated or threatened or discriminated against (threatening, name calling, offensive or discriminatory terms) may receive a warning to cease the behavior by the bartender on duty or any Post officer present, including the Sons of the American Legion, Auxiliary, or RCL. If continued, the member or guest shall be required to leave the Post. This may result in further disciplinary action against the member or guest.
C. Fights/Threats – Any member or guest fighting, threatening to fight, or using derogatory or discriminatory slang or language at or directed at a person or groups of persons for the purpose of intimidating or committing battery shall leave the premises when requested by any authorized Post officer, including the Sons of the American Legion, Auxiliary, or RCL or bartender on duty.
D. Solicitations/advertising – Members may solicit or advertise their personal businesses (such as handyman services, etc.) to other members in the club or outside as part of private conversations within reason but may not persist if the members complain or if the solicitation is aggressive or unwanted.
E. Guests – Members of the Post, the American Legion Auxiliary, S.A.L. Squadron or RCL may host a guest or guests to the Post with the provisions that:
1. All alcohol purchases must be made by members only.
2. Guests shall conduct themselves in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Post.
3. The host member shall be responsible for the actions of their guests
4. Guests must depart from the property when their host departs.
5. No free drinks may be passed over the bar.
F. Conducting Business – Post officers may not conduct Post business during public events or gatherings where non-members are present.
G. Illegal/illicit drugs/weapons
1. No members or guests may possess, use, or distribute illegal drugs anywhere on Post property.
2. Weapons may not be openly carried or concealed at any place on the Post.
3. Marijuana is legal in Michigan for personal use only in one's home. It is not allowed to be consumed on Post property.
H. Smoking
1. Per Michigan Law smoking/vaping is not allowed anywhere in the facility except the patio.
II. MEMBERSHIP
Any member may be asked to show his/her membership card during functions or fundraising activities. Any person or persons, being on this Post property may be challenged for a membership card.
III. CHILDREN
A. Children under the age of 18 may not be in the bar past 9 pm.
B. Children may be in the hall after 9 pm so long as there is a Post or rental function going on, and an adult is always with them.
C. Anyone under the age of 18 may not sit at the bar at any time.
D. Children aged 17 and younger must always be supervised by an adult where alcohol is served.
E. Children aged 17 and younger may not be in the Post building at any time without adult supervision.
IV. ANIMALS
Pets are not allowed inside the building during operating hours except for working dogs and emotional support animals belonging to veterans. Personal pets (dogs) may accompany members (not guests) at outdoor activities or areas on the Post provided that:
A. The animal has no history of aggression toward other animals or people.
B. The animal is always leashed.
C. The animal is properly licensed.
D. The animal is fully vaccinated in accordance with state and local requirements.
E. The owner (member) must clean up excrement when it happens.
F. Any member who does not control the actions of his/her pet or emotional support animal will be banned from bringing the animal on Post.
G. If there is any conflict between this section and Michigan State Law, the provisions of Michigan State Law prevail.
V. ALCOHOL
A. The Post conforms to Michigan liquor control laws and non-profit corporation laws regarding the sale, license, and consumption of alcohol beverages to members, non-members, tenants, and licensees. If any Post rules regarding the sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages conflict with state or local laws, or rules codified in valid permits, the state and local laws shall apply.
Club Licensing Requirements & General Information
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Liquor Control Commission (MLCC)
Sale of Alcoholic Liquor To Bona Fide Members Only A Club licensee may sell alcoholic liquor, which includes beer, wine, mixed spirit drinks, or spirits, to bona fide members only of the organization that holds the Club license, including beer or wine sold under a Specially Designated Merchant license for consumption off the premises. The Club licensee may not sell alcoholic liquor to a member that is under 21 years old. The Liquor Control Commission does not regulate the sale of food and non-members of the organization that holds a Club license are not restricted by the Liquor Control Code from purchasing food from a Club license. Pursuant to MCL 436.1532(1), a bona fide member is an individual admitted as a charter member or admitted in accordance with the bylaws of the organization, subject to the following:1. He or she must maintain current membership by the payment of annual dues;2. His or her name and address is entered on the list of members; and,3. He or she has voting rights to regularly elect the board of directors, officers, executive committee, or similar body that conducts the affairs and management of the organization. For an incorporated or unincorporated nonprofit veterans' organization that is a branch or chapter of a national organization or an organization chartered by the United States Congress, a bona fide member includes a member of another branch or chapter who possesses an identification card indicating current membership in the same national or congressionally chartered veterans' organization.
B. Members will not be served until they possess a current membership card and are in good standing. Guest of Members that can become Legionnaires, Sons of Legionnaires, Auxiliary or RCL are allowed only 3 times in the Post Bar. Executive Board members, Bartenders, Security Personnel, Law Enforcement on Duty, and Officers of the Sons of the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary may refuse to have individuals serve alcohol to members and guests and may demand they leave the Post grounds immediately upon reasonable observance that the members' or guests' behavior is disruptive to others. Members and guests can be suspended from the bar for up to 30 days if they are found disruptive to other members and have had one verbal and one written warning. This action will be determined by the Executive Board.
C. The Post sometimes hosts events when members of the public attend. This requires a special liquor license, so that the Post is legally able to serve alcohol to non-Post members. State liquor control rules require that nonprofit organizations submit their request 60 to 90 days prior to the event. Each non-profit is limited to 12 special licenses a year. Representatives from each of the three organizations incorporated in the Post are required to be involved, approve, and oversee operations on the Post related to alcohol sales and consumption.
D. All members and their guests are expected to drink responsibly and always maintain composure. If someone appears drunk, the bartenders have a legal obligation to refrain from serving more alcohol. If there is any indication the member or member's guest is acting in a way that is contrary to good order and discipline, they can be removed from the bar area, refused service, and asked to leave the Post.
VI. PERSONAL PROPERTY
A. No property belonging to the Post shall be removed from the Post for member's personal use except if approved by a vote of the Executive Board, or the membership if the property exceeds $1000 in value.
B. If property belonging to the Post is approved for borrowing or personal use temporarily, it may not be used in furtherance of commercial enterprise or to make money.
C. The operation of the Post equipment by any person not having the authorization of the Post is prohibited.
VII. REAL PROPERTY
A. Grounds – The use of Post Grounds for personal profit or personal gain is prohibited.
B. The facilities of this Post home and grounds are for the sole use of its membership, Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion and RCL. The Post Executive Board may grant the use of such facilities to other groups, organizations, or persons with the provisions that:
1. A rental agreement has been entered into.
2. Authorization for the use thereof was granted by the majority vote of the Legion members or Legion Executive Board, with or without costs.
C. Facility Rentals – The Executive Board may determine the costs of rental for Gleason Hall and the Lower Hall.
VIII. DISCIPLINE
A. Each organization associated with the Post maintains its own rules for disciplinary procedures and is required to provide adequate due process to its members accused of conduct inconsistent with these rules, laws, and general standards of decent conduct.
B. If the parent organization’s leadership declines to act, the Executive Board may act at its discretion. The Executive Board does not establish disciplinary rules of the Auxiliary or the Sons Squadron and is not obligated to provide non-members with due process.
C. If a disciplinary issue arises with a non-legionnaire Post member, the parent organization of that member is responsible for pursuing and administering discipline, with the approval of the Executive Board on a case-by-case basis.
IX. MODIFICATIONS
These Standing Rules set forth the ethos of the American Legion Post 374. It is impossible for one set of rules to encompass all situations and circumstances that may occur at this Post. As a result, the Executive Board may, upon majority vote of the Executive Board, append these Standing Rules to conform to the circumstances that arise.