Buying Beer In Michigan: Sunday Morning Options

Michigan has strict laws regarding the sale of beer and other alcoholic beverages. While Michigan is not a dry state, there are still some rules and regulations in place that govern the sale of alcohol, especially on Sundays. In the past, it was illegal to buy beer before noon on Sundays, but the law has since changed, and now, with the proper permits, licensees can sell beer from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Sundays. However, this may vary depending on the county and local laws, and some counties may have stricter sales times.

Beer can be purchased from 7 am on Sundays

If you're looking to purchase beer on a Sunday morning in Michigan, you're in luck! Beer can be purchased from 7 am onwards on Sundays, as long as the retailer has the proper permit. This change in the law has been welcomed by many local businesses, who are happy to benefit from the extra profits.

The laws regarding Sunday morning alcohol sales in Michigan have evolved over time. Previously, it was illegal to buy beer or liquor before noon on Sundays. However, in December 2010, a change in state law allowed businesses to apply for a special permit to sell alcoholic beverages before noon on Sundays. This permit costs $160 and is valid for a year.

The change in the law has had a positive impact on businesses, with some reporting an increase in sales, particularly for morning staples like mimosas and bloody marys. It has also been convenient for customers, who no longer have to wait until noon to purchase alcohol on Sundays.

It's important to note that not all retailers in Michigan will sell alcohol on Sunday mornings. Some stores may choose not to obtain the necessary permits, and others may have a policy against it. Additionally, local governments can pass a resolution to stop Sunday morning sales, so it's always a good idea to check the local county law before heading out.

Overall, the ability to purchase beer from 7 am on Sundays in Michigan has been a welcome change for both businesses and consumers, providing convenience and a boost to the local economy.

A special permit is required for Sunday morning beer sales

In Michigan, a special permit is required to sell beer, wine, and spirits on Sunday mornings. This permit allows retailers to sell alcoholic beverages from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Sundays, which was previously prohibited under state law. The Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) issues these permits, and they cost $160 annually.

The Sunday Sales Permit (A.M.) is beneficial for businesses, as it provides an opportunity to increase profits by catering to customers who want alcoholic drinks early on Sundays. It also helps businesses stay competitive and retain customers who expect to purchase alcohol at their convenience.

The process of obtaining the permit involves submitting an application, paying the fee, and meeting other requirements, such as providing proof of financial responsibility. The MLCC also provides information on the different types of retailer licenses, application forms, and guidelines for selling alcohol in Michigan.

It's worth noting that local governments in Michigan can choose to prohibit Sunday morning alcohol sales, even if businesses have obtained the necessary permits. This power allows local authorities to regulate alcohol sales according to their specific community standards and preferences.

Some stores don't sell alcohol on Sundays

In Michigan, some stores don't sell alcohol on Sundays, and this is due to a variety of factors, including historical and religious reasons.

Until a few years ago, it was illegal in Michigan to buy alcohol before noon on Sundays. This was due to the state's "'blue laws', which were intended to protect the Sabbath day. These laws date back hundreds of years and were designed to encourage people to go to church instead of drinking. While the government can no longer rely on religious reasons for banning Sunday alcohol sales, it is believed to be the main motivation.

Some local governments in Michigan have chosen to pass a resolution to stop Sunday morning alcohol sales, and some stores have decided not to apply for the special permit required to sell alcohol before noon on Sundays. This could be due to the cost of the permit or the desire to avoid any potential negative consequences associated with excessive alcohol consumption.

Additionally, some stores may choose not to sell alcohol on Sundays to avoid competition with other stores that have the permit. As one manager of a store that obtained the permit explained, "People will go elsewhere if you don’t have their product when they want it. They go elsewhere, and they stay elsewhere."

It's important to note that even if a store has a permit to sell alcohol on Sundays, they are not required to do so. Some stores may choose not to sell alcohol on Sundays for various reasons, such as adhering to the county ordinance or maintaining a family-friendly image.

Michigan has no dry counties

Firstly, while Michigan has no dry counties, individual counties can choose to prohibit the retail sale of alcoholic beverages within their borders by passing specific ordinances. This means that the availability of alcohol can vary from county to county.

Secondly, until recently, it was illegal in Michigan to buy liquor before noon on Sundays. However, a change in state law now allows the sale of beer, wine, and liquor from 7 a.m. on Sundays, provided businesses have obtained a special permit. This change in the law has been welcomed by many businesses, resulting in increased sales and customer convenience.

It is worth noting that local governments can still pass resolutions to stop Sunday morning alcohol sales, and some counties have chosen to maintain the noon restriction. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check the local county laws and business permits before attempting to purchase alcohol on a Sunday morning in Michigan.

In summary, while Michigan has no dry counties, the availability of alcohol can vary depending on local ordinances and permits. Sunday morning alcohol sales are now permitted in many areas, but some counties may still have restrictions in place. Checking local laws and business permits is advisable to ensure compliance with alcohol regulations in the specific county of Michigan.

Beer cannot be purchased before noon on Christmas Day

In Michigan, beer cannot be purchased before noon on Christmas Day. This is part of the state's alcohol regulations, which also prohibit the sale of alcohol after 9 pm on December 24 (Christmas Eve).

Michigan has specific laws regarding the sale of alcohol, which vary depending on the day of the week. On Sundays, alcohol sales are permitted from 7 am to 2 am, but only with the proper "AM" or "PM" permits. These permits allow licensees to sell alcohol from 7 am to noon and noon to midnight, respectively.

While the laws regarding Sunday alcohol sales have changed over the years, the current regulations allow for convenient beer purchases. However, it is important to note that counties and smaller localities are authorised to vote for stricter sales times, and some may have different rules in place.

Additionally, some stores in Michigan may choose not to sell alcohol at all on Sundays, or they may have their own policies regarding Sunday morning sales. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check with your local county laws and the specific store's policies before attempting to purchase beer or other alcoholic beverages on a Sunday morning in Michigan.

Overall, while it is possible to buy beer in Michigan on a Sunday morning, it is important to be mindful of the specific laws and regulations that may apply in your area.

Frequently asked questions