Opinion ID: 1699909
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: KILISZEWSKI v KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

Text: Plaintiffs brought this negligence action to recover for injuries suffered when the car in which they were passengers was struck by a car driven by defendant Tomasunas. Defendant, St. Vincent de Paul Building Corporation, owns the premises occupied by the Knights of Columbus in Conklin, Michigan. For purposes of this opinion, all references to St. Vincent include the Knights of Columbus as well. St. Vincent is not a licensee of any kind under the Michigan Liquor Control Act, MCL 436.1a et seq.; MSA 18.991(1) et seq. St. Vincent makes these premises available to the public for a rental fee. On or about April 19, 1981, St. Vincent leased its premises to William and Paul Schullo [1] to use for a bunny hop. Tickets sold for the event entitled the bearer to drink beer provided by Schullo. St. Vincent neither provided, procured, nor distributed beer or other alcoholic beverages at the event. Moreover, the Schullos' lease prohibited the furnishing of alcohol to minors. Thomas Tomasunas, a minor at the time, attended the event and became intoxicated. After leaving the event, and while driving in an allegedly intoxicated condition, Tomasunas disregarded a stop sign and struck the motor vehicle in which the plaintiffs were passengers. This appeal concerns plaintiffs' claim that St. Vincent violated the bottle club act, MCL 436.26c; MSA 18.997(3), by furnishing the premises to the Schullos who allowed others to engage in the drinking of alcohol for a consideration, and that the violation of this act gives rise to a civil cause of action. The trial court held that St. Vincent did not violate the statute, as the mere leasing of the hall did not constitute a lease of the premises for the serving of alcohol. Therefore, the trial court granted summary disposition for St. Vincent on the basis of a failure to state a claim. The Court of Appeals affirmed. This Court granted leave to appeal.