Buying Beer In Michigan: Grocery Store Guide

Michigan has a thriving and distinctive alcohol market, with a unique blend of Midwestern hospitality and industrial grit that has fostered a dynamic marketplace. The state's alcohol system is regulated by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC), which controls spirits on a wholesale level but allows authorised distribution agents (ADAs) to handle beer and wine distribution to retailers.

In Michigan, the sale of alcohol is permitted from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m., Monday through Saturday, and from noon to 2 a.m. on Sundays. However, there are some conflicting opinions on whether the sale of beer is allowed before noon on Sundays, with some sources indicating that it depends on the county and whether the business has a special permit.

Beer and wine can be sold from 7 a.m. on Sundays in Michigan

Michigan has a thriving and distinctive beverage alcohol market, with a unique blend of Midwestern hospitality and industrial grit. The state has a mix of local craft producers and national brands, offering an impressive array of choices for consumers.

In Michigan, the sale of beer and wine is regulated, and there are specific rules regarding the sale of alcohol on Sundays. Beer and wine can be sold from 7 a.m. on Sundays in Michigan, provided the retailer has obtained the necessary license. This change in law occurred a few years ago, allowing for earlier sales than the previous restriction of noon. However, it is important to note that some counties and local governments in Michigan may have their own ordinances and restrictions on Sunday sales.

The Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) oversees alcohol sales in the state, and retailers must adhere to their regulations. Additionally, Michigan is a control state, which means it controls spirits on a wholesale level but allows Authorized Distribution Agents (ADAs) to handle beer and wine distribution to retailers.

The state has a mix of grocery stores, convenience stores, and gas stations that are licensed to sell alcohol. These retailers can sell beer, wine, and liquor during the specified hours, including from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Sundays. However, it is always a good idea to check with the specific store or county regulations, as some may have their own policies or restrictions in place.

Some Michigan counties don't permit alcohol sales at gas stations

Michigan is a control state, meaning that the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) regulates its alcohol system, balancing tradition with modern market demands. While the MLCC oversees sales, Michigan does not own any retail outlets.

In Michigan, grocery and convenience stores can sell beer, wine, and liquor. The same goes for gas stations, provided they have an alcohol sales permit. However, there is an exception for Wayne County, where alcohol is not sold at gas stations.

A new Michigan law allows grocery stores to apply for a secondary liquor license to sell beer and wine at gas stations on the same property. This change has sparked some controversy, with critics arguing that it gives an unfair advantage to large grocery chains over small, independent gas stations. Previously, grocery stores were not allowed to sell alcohol at gas stations they owned, even if they were on the same property.

The MLCC holds monthly meetings to review and approve listings, and it is crucial for applicants to adhere to the submission deadlines and requirements to maximize their chances of approval.

Alcohol cannot be sold after 9 p.m. on December 24 and all of December 25

Michigan is a control state, meaning that its alcohol system is regulated by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC). The state has a monopoly on the wholesale sales of distilled spirits and mandates a minimum price for all alcohol sales.

The sale of alcohol in Michigan is prohibited after 9 p.m. on December 24 and all of December 25. This applies to all licensees that sell alcoholic liquor for consumption on or off the licensed premises. This means that grocery and convenience stores, which are allowed to sell beer, wine, and liquor in Michigan, cannot sell alcohol during this time.

On January 1, on-premise sale of alcohol is allowed until 4 a.m.

Alcohol can be sold on January 1 until 4 a.m

Michigan has a thriving and distinctive beverage alcohol market, with a unique blend of Midwestern hospitality and industrial grit. The state has a dynamic marketplace where local craft producers thrive alongside national brands, offering an impressive array of choices for consumers.

In Michigan, alcohol sales are overseen by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC), and the state has specific regulations regarding the sale of alcohol. While retailers can generally sell alcohol from 7 AM to 2 AM, Monday to Saturday, there are different rules for Sundays and certain holidays.

On Sundays, alcohol sales are permitted from noon to 2 AM. However, retailers can obtain a special license extension to sell alcohol from 7 AM on Sundays. This change in law occurred a few years ago, allowing alcohol sales on Sundays if a special permit or license is purchased.

Additionally, there are restrictions on alcohol sales during certain holidays. Alcohol sales are prohibited after 9 PM on December 24 (Christmas Eve) and all of December 25 (Christmas Day). On January 1, on-premise alcohol sales are allowed until 4 AM, providing extended hours for those celebrating the new year.

It's important to note that individual counties and municipalities in Michigan may have their own ordinances and regulations regarding alcohol sales. For example, some counties may still have restrictions on Sunday sales, and certain cities have only recently issued their first liquor licenses. Therefore, it's always a good idea to check local laws and regulations to stay informed about alcohol sales in your specific area.

Alcohol can be sold to-go in Michigan, but it must not be in its original container

Michigan has a thriving and distinctive beverage alcohol market, with a unique blend of Midwestern hospitality and industrial grit. The state has a three-tier system, where manufacturers and suppliers make up the first tier, importers and wholesalers the second, and retailers the third. All sales must flow through this tiered system.

During the pandemic, a temporary law was passed in Michigan regarding the sale of alcohol to-go. This law is still under consideration and, if implemented, would allow restaurants, bars, and distilleries with tasting rooms to sell alcoholic drinks to-go, as long as they are not in their original container. This means that alcohol can be sold to-go, but it must be transferred from its original packaging into another container before leaving the licensed premises. This could include pouring drinks into sealable containers or providing drinks in disposable cups with lids and straws.

The rationale behind this regulation is to ensure that alcoholic beverages are not openly consumed in public spaces, particularly near schools, parks, or other areas frequented by minors. Additionally, it helps to distinguish between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, reducing the risk of accidental consumption by minors or individuals who choose not to consume alcohol.

It is important to note that this law only applies to drinks and does not include sealed containers of beer, wine, or liquor. These sealed containers can still be sold by retailers for off-premises consumption, as long as they are not consumed on the premises.

Frequently asked questions