Buying Beer In Michigan: Is It Still Possible?

Michigan has some interesting laws regarding the sale of alcohol. While the state didn't close liquor stores during the COVID-19 pandemic, some counties have banned the sale of liquor on Sundays, and until 2010, retailers couldn't sell alcohol before noon on Sundays. A new law also allows grocery stores to apply for a secondary liquor license to sell beer and wine at gas stations on the same property. So, can you still buy beer in Michigan?

Michigan's Sunday liquor sales ban

Michigan's Sunday liquor laws have been subject to change in recent years, with the state gradually easing restrictions on alcohol sales.

Up until a few years ago, it was illegal to buy alcohol before noon on Sundays in Michigan. This was a result of the state's ""blue laws", which were intended to protect the Sabbath day. While the government cannot rely on religious reasons for banning Sunday alcohol sales, public health and safety concerns, as well as curbing excessive alcohol consumption, are used to justify these restrictions.

In 2010, the state of Michigan introduced a change in the law, allowing businesses to apply for a special permit to sell liquor before noon on Sundays. This permit costs $160 annually, and over 5,000 businesses across the state have taken advantage of this opportunity, with many reporting increased profits as a result. This change in the law was welcomed by both business owners and customers, who no longer had to wait until noon to purchase alcohol on Sundays.

However, it is important to note that the law still allows local governments to pass a resolution to stop Sunday morning alcohol sales. This means that the rules for Sunday liquor sales can vary from county to county within Michigan. For example, in some counties, such as Wayne County, alcohol is not sold at gas stations. Additionally, retailers can obtain a special license extension to sell alcohol from 7 am on Sundays. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the local county laws and business permits before attempting to purchase alcohol on a Sunday in Michigan.

Michigan Liquor Control Commission

The Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) controls all alcoholic beverage traffic within the state of Michigan. The Commission consists of five members, appointed by the Governor, three of whom are responsible for matters regarding licensing, purchasing, merchandising, and enforcement, while the remaining two are hearing commissioners who preside over violation matters.

The MLCC's goal is to make alcoholic beverages available for consumption while also protecting the consumers and the public through the regulation of the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverage products.

The MLCC does not own any retail stores, but licenses places like grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores, and privately-owned liquor stores to sell alcohol. Distribution is managed from warehouses, with authorized distribution agents handling orders from businesses and delivering them throughout the state.

The MLCC also provides mandatory server training to reduce the number of alcohol sales to minors. This is required when obtaining a new license or when 50% interest in the current license is being transferred. At least one certified server must be on duty when alcoholic beverages are being served.

The MLCC also provides information on liquor prices, with an alcohol price book available to see the prices of spirit products available through authorized distribution agents.

The MLCC's website offers resources such as an application checklist, a license timeline, and a list of common code violations to help businesses navigate the licensing process and avoid fines or loss of license.

The Commission also provides contact information, including a toll-free phone number, email addresses for various inquiries, and directions to its Lansing and Southfield offices.

Michigan's alcohol sales during COVID-19

Michigan's alcohol sales during the COVID-19 pandemic remained accessible to residents, unlike some other states such as Alabama and Pennsylvania, which closed state-owned liquor stores. Michigan's alcohol sales are structured differently, with the state licensing grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores, and privately-owned liquor stores to sell alcohol.

During the pandemic, Michigan's alcohol beverage industry also stepped up with generous donations to support the fight against COVID-19. For example, the Griffin Claw Brewing Company donated nearly 10,000 gallons of hand sanitizer to the State Emergency Operations Center and Southeast Michigan law enforcement and fire departments. Tito's Vodka Company delivered 288 gallons of hand sanitizer, 3,000 KN95 masks, and 2,000 pairs of medical gloves to hospitals and healthcare facilities.

In terms of sales, online alcohol sales in Michigan increased by 477% by the end of April 2020. Spirits sales increased by 4.1%, while beer and wine sales decreased by 3.9% and 3.0%, respectively, from March 2020 to February 2021.

The pandemic also led to changes in alcohol laws, with "to-go" sales of alcoholic beverages from restaurants allowed. This change became permanent in Michigan, and alcohol sales at college football, basketball, and hockey games are now permitted.

Michigan's new alcohol sales law for grocery store gas stations

Michigan's new alcohol sales law allows grocery stores to apply for a secondary liquor license to sell beer and wine at gas stations on the same property. This law, which came into effect on July 11, has been met with mixed reactions. While some customers appreciate the added convenience of being able to purchase alcohol while filling up their gas tanks, others have expressed concerns about the potential for increased alcohol sales to minors or already intoxicated individuals.

Proponents of the law argue that it is a commonsense way to increase competition and allow for a more open market. The bill's sponsor, state Rep. Aric Nesbitt, R-Lawton, views the gas stations run by grocery stores as an extension of the stores themselves and believes that allowing alcohol sales at these locations will create a fair playing field for all businesses. However, critics argue that this law gives larger grocery chains an unfair advantage over small, independent gas stations and liquor stores.

To comply with the new law, grocery stores must obtain a secondary beer and wine license. As of late 2024, the state Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs had received 96 applications for these licenses, with 93 of them coming from the Meijer grocery store chain.

It is worth noting that Michigan has specific hours during which alcohol can be sold. Retailers can sell alcohol from 7 AM to 2 AM Monday to Saturday and from noon to 2 AM on Sunday. Additionally, Michigan prohibits the sale of alcohol after 9 PM on December 24 and all of December 25.

Michigan's liquor license requirements

Michigan's liquor licensing process is handled by the state, and applicants must go through the Michigan Liquor Control Commission for approval. The Commission controls all alcoholic beverage traffic within the state and consists of five members appointed by the Governor. Three Commissioners are responsible for matters regarding licensing, purchasing, merchandising, and enforcement, while the remaining two serve as hearing commissioners for violation matters.

The Commission's goal is to make alcoholic beverages available for consumption while also protecting the public through the regulation of sales and distribution. The state does not own any retail stores, but instead licenses places like grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores, and privately-owned liquor stores to sell alcohol.

License Requirements

To obtain a liquor license in Michigan, applicants must meet several requirements. Firstly, they must be at least 21 years of age and have the appropriate insurance, such as restaurant or bar insurance. They also need to ensure proper zoning for their business and have a business license and seller's permit.

After applying for a liquor license, applicants must post a public notice of application on their business premises for 30 days. In some cases, they may also need to notify their neighbours or publish a notice in a newspaper. Additionally, they will need to demonstrate that their business is correctly zoned for alcohol sales.

The application process typically involves an in-person meeting with an Enforcement Division Investigator and the submission of various documents. These documents may include a photo ID, income tax returns, and property documents for the proposed licensed premises.

Types of Licenses

There are three main tiers of liquor licenses in Michigan:

• Manufacturers (such as breweries and wineries)
• Distributors (who sell to wholesalers and importers)
• Retailers (who sell to the general public)

The Supplier tier includes six types of licenses for vendors and outstate sellers, as well as manufacturer licenses for limited production, distillers, wine makers, and more.

The Retailer license tier contains 14 license types, including on-premises and off-premises licenses for golf clubs, special licenses for non-profits, beer festivals, and continuing care centres.

Fees and Costs

The cost of a liquor license in Michigan can vary depending on the type and purpose. Inspection fees are typically $70, while a Class C license for on-premise consumption of beer, wine, spirits, and mixed drinks has a $600 license and permit fee. Hotel licenses also vary, with an A Hotel license (for beer and wine sales) costing $250 and a B Hotel license (for beer, wine, spirits, and mixed drinks) costing $600.

In addition to these fees, there may be taxes associated with certain licenses. Wholesalers, microbrewers, brewers, direct shippers, winemakers, and mixed spirit drink manufacturers pay taxes to the Liquor Control Commission. Retailers selling beer, wine, or liquor must also obtain a sales tax license and will be subject to property taxes.

The entire process can take anywhere from 40 days to six months, so it is recommended to start the application process 4-6 months before opening a business.

Frequently asked questions