Buying Beer In Michigan On Easter: What's The Deal?

Michigan has a thriving and distinctive beverage alcohol market, with a unique blend of Midwestern hospitality and industrial grit. The state's alcohol system is regulated by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC), which enforces a set of laws regarding the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages. One question that often arises is whether individuals can purchase beer in Michigan on Easter Sunday. The answer is no; according to Michigan state laws and the MLCC's regulations, the sale of alcohol on Easter Sunday is prohibited. This restriction applies to all licensed alcohol retailers, including restaurants, bars, and liquor stores, and no exceptions are made for holidays. However, it is important to note that certain exceptions may apply, such as on tribal lands. While individuals cannot purchase beer on Easter Sunday, alcohol consumption on private property, including one's own home, is permitted as long as the alcohol is purchased beforehand.

Michigan's alcohol laws

On-Premise and Off-Premise Sales

Michigan allows the sale of alcohol for on-premise and off-premise consumption. On-premise consumption refers to drinking at bars, restaurants, and other licensed establishments, while off-premise means purchasing alcohol from stores, breweries, or wineries to consume elsewhere.

Hours of Sale

Monday through Saturday, alcohol can be sold from 7 am to 2 am. On Sundays, the sale of alcohol is permitted from noon to 2 am. However, retailers can obtain a special license ("AM" or "PM" permit) to sell alcohol starting at 7 am on Sundays.

Holidays and Special Occasions

The sale of alcohol is prohibited on certain holidays in Michigan. These include New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Additionally, the sale of alcohol is not allowed on Sundays before noon, and there are no exceptions made for holidays that fall on a Sunday, such as Easter.

Locations for Purchase

Michigan offers various locations to buy beer and other alcoholic beverages. These include bars, restaurants, package and liquor stores, breweries, and taprooms. Grocery stores and gas stations in most counties, except for Wayne County, can also sell beer and wine if they have the proper permits.

Age Restrictions

Michigan has a strict law prohibiting the sale of alcohol to anyone under the age of 21. There are no exceptions to this law, and minors cannot drink alcohol with their parents or for religious purposes.

Open Container Laws

It is illegal in Michigan to have an open container of alcohol in a vehicle, except in the trunk or an area not occupied by the driver or passengers. Passengers over 21 in a commercial vehicle are exempt from this rule.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense in Michigan. The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is 0.08% for adults aged 21 and older. For those under 21, a BAC of 0.02% or higher is illegal and can result in community service, fines, and license suspension.

Label Registration and Pricing

Before selling spirits in Michigan, suppliers must register product labels with the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) and comply with the state's labeling laws. Additionally, manufacturers and wholesalers must file schedules of cash prices for beer, wine, and spirits with the MLCC.

Direct-to-Consumer Shipping

Michigan only permits direct-to-consumer shipping for wine, and sellers must have a DTC permit. Spirits and other alcoholic beverages cannot be shipped directly to consumers.

Temporary Laws During the Pandemic

During the pandemic, Michigan passed a temporary law allowing restaurants, bars, and distilleries with tasting rooms to sell alcoholic drinks to-go, as long as they are not in their original containers. However, this law is still under consideration and has not been fully implemented.

The Michigan Liquor Control Commission

The MLCC is responsible for overseeing sales, which exceeded $2.4 billion in 2023, and there are approximately 7.5 million legal drinking-age residents in the state. The state features around 250 licensed distillers and bottlers, over 400 breweries with active licenses, and over 200 wineries. There are also over 9,700 alcoholic beverage off-premise retailers and 9,600 on-premise retailers in Michigan.

In Michigan, people can purchase alcohol on-premise and off-premise from 7 am to 2 am on Monday to Saturday and from noon to 2 am on Sunday. Retailers can obtain a special license extension and sell alcohol from 7 am on Sundays.

The MLCC enforces several important alcohol laws in the state. Firstly, Michigan state law forbids the sale of alcohol to people under 21, and it is also illegal to sell alcohol to an intoxicated person. The state has a monopoly on the wholesale sales of distilled spirits and mandates a minimum price for all alcohol sales. Grocery and convenience stores can sell beer and wine, and gas stations in most Michigan counties can sell alcohol, except for Wayne County. Additionally, the sale of alcohol is prohibited after 9 pm on December 24 and all of December 25. On January 1, on-premise sales of alcohol are permitted until 4 am.

The MLCC also regulates the types of licenses required for different alcohol producers and sellers. For example, a distiller's license is required for suppliers producing spirits, while a small distiller's license is available for those producing less than 60,000 gallons of spirits annually, which is less costly and has fewer regulatory requirements. The MLCC also requires out-of-state sellers of alcoholic liquor to obtain a license to sell spirits to licensed Michigan wholesalers.

In summary, the Michigan Liquor Control Commission plays a crucial role in regulating the state's alcohol market, ensuring compliance with laws, and balancing traditional and modern demands. The commission oversees sales, licenses, and pricing while also mandating specific restrictions on sale timings and locations.

Alcohol sales on holidays

On holidays such as New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day, the purchase, possession, and consumption of alcoholic beverages are illegal in Michigan. This includes sales in bars, restaurants, liquor stores, and other licensed establishments. Additionally, alcohol sales are not permitted on Sundays before noon, and some counties may have additional holidays with similar restrictions.

However, there are ways to obtain alcohol on holidays in Michigan. Restaurants may offer alcoholic beverages with food purchases, although customers cannot take bottles of wine or liquor home. Alcohol consumption is also allowed on private property, as long as it was purchased before the holiday. Certain exceptions may apply in specific areas, such as tribal lands, where alcohol sales may be permitted on holidays.

The regulations surrounding alcohol sales on holidays in Michigan have evolved over time. In 2011, a change in state law allowed the sale of alcoholic beverages starting at 7 a.m. on Sundays, providing a boost in profits for many businesses. The state requires a special permit for Sunday morning liquor sales, which costs $160 annually.

It is important to note that Michigan's alcohol laws are subject to change, and there may be additional regulations or exceptions. Therefore, it is advisable to check with local authorities or the MLCC for the most up-to-date information.

Alcohol sales on Sundays

Firstly, alcohol sales are not permitted before noon on Sundays. This means that any sale of alcohol before 12 pm on Sundays is illegal. This includes all licensed establishments, such as bars and liquor stores. However, some businesses with the proper permits can sell alcohol on Sundays before noon. There are two types of permits: “AM” permits, which allow licensees to sell alcohol from 7 am to noon, and “PM” permits, which allow sales from noon to midnight. Businesses can purchase both permits to sell alcohol throughout the day on Sundays.

Secondly, not all retailers are permitted to sell alcohol on Sundays. Only retailers with the necessary permits are allowed to sell alcohol on Sundays. This means that some stores may be open, but will not sell alcohol until after 12 pm or may not sell alcohol at all on Sundays.

The laws regarding Sunday alcohol sales in Michigan have changed over time. Previously, it was illegal to buy liquor before noon on Sundays. However, as of December 2010, a change in state law allowed businesses to sell beer, wine, and liquor starting at 7 am on Sundays, provided they had the appropriate permit. This change in law was well-received by businesses, which benefited from increased sales and profits.

It is important to note that these laws apply specifically to the sale of alcohol and do not restrict the consumption of alcohol on Sundays. Individuals are allowed to consume alcohol on private property, including their own homes, regardless of whether it was purchased on a Sunday or not.

In addition to the restrictions on Sunday sales, there are also specific holidays in Michigan where the sale and purchase of alcohol are prohibited. These include New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. On these days, it is illegal to purchase, possess, or consume alcoholic beverages.

Alcohol sales locations

Firstly, it is important to note that in Michigan, the sale of alcohol is controlled by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC). This body regulates the sale of alcohol and ensures compliance with the state's laws and regulations. One of the key regulations to be aware of is that alcohol sales are prohibited on certain holidays, including New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. On these days, it is illegal to purchase, possess, or consume alcoholic beverages. Additionally, the sale of alcohol on Sundays is restricted, and retailers are not allowed to sell alcohol before noon on Sundays without a valid Sunday license.

When it comes to specific locations for alcohol sales in Michigan, here is a breakdown:

• Bars and Restaurants: These establishments may serve alcoholic beverages for on-premise consumption. They can also provide off-premise sales with the purchase of food. Bars and restaurants typically operate within the hours of 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday to Saturday and 7 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Sundays, provided they have the necessary permits.
• Package and Liquor Stores: These retailers can sell alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and spirits, within the hours of 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday to Saturday and 7 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Sundays, with the proper permits. They are also allowed to sell alcohol after noon on Christmas Day.
• Breweries and Taprooms: Breweries and taprooms offer a unique setting for alcohol sales, and they can operate within the same hours as bars and restaurants, typically from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday to Saturday and 7 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Sundays, with the necessary permits. They can sell alcoholic beverages in cans, bottles, and on draft, as well as offer containers to-go, such as properly packaged growlers.
• Gas Stations: Gas stations in Michigan are permitted to sell alcoholic beverages, but there are some restrictions. They can sell beer, wine, and liquor within the hours of 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday to Saturday and 7 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Sundays with the proper permits. However, gas stations located within 500 feet of a church, school, or public playground are not allowed to sell alcoholic beverages. Additionally, there may be specific county regulations, such as in Wayne County, where alcohol is not sold at gas stations.
• Grocery Stores: Grocery stores in Michigan are typically allowed to sell beer and wine, and in some cases, liquor, within the legal hours of 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday to Saturday and 7 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Sundays, provided they have the necessary permits.

It is important to note that the laws and regulations regarding alcohol sales in Michigan may change, and it is always a good idea to check with local authorities or the MLCC for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, some counties within Michigan may have their own specific regulations, so it is advisable to be aware of the local laws in your particular area.

Frequently asked questions