Michigan's Sunday Beer Buying Hours Explained

In Michigan, beer can be purchased from 7 am to 2 am Monday to Saturday, and from noon to 2 am on Sundays. However, some stores may not sell alcohol at all on Sundays, and some counties may prohibit the sale of alcohol before noon on Sundays.

Beer can be bought from 7 am on Sundays in Michigan

Michigan's alcohol market is regulated by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC). Beer can be bought from 7 am on Sundays in Michigan, but only at retailers with a special license. This is because, in 2010, there was a change in state law that allowed retailers to apply for a permit to sell alcoholic beverages before noon on Sundays. This has resulted in increased sales for many businesses, particularly those selling beer on Sunday mornings before football games.

The state has gained about $950,000 in revenue from the Sunday morning permits, which cost $160 annually. Many businesses have taken advantage of this, with 5,974 businesses across the state paying for the permit as of 2011. This is likely to have increased in the years since.

However, it is important to note that local governments can pass a resolution to stop Sunday morning sales, so it is worth checking the local county law to be sure. Additionally, some stores may choose not to sell alcohol on Sundays at all, and some may not have a permit to sell alcohol before noon.

Michigan is one of the largest control markets in the United States, and spirit sales overtook wine sales in 2023. The state features around 250 licensed distillers and bottlers, over 400 breweries, and over 200 wineries. The MLCC oversees sales, which exceeded $2.4 billion in 2023, with a population of 7.5 million legal drinking-age residents.

A special license is required to sell alcohol from 7 am on Sundays

In Michigan, the sale of alcohol is permitted from 7 am to 2 am, Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, the sale of alcohol is allowed from noon to 2 am. However, a special license is required to sell alcohol from 7 am on Sundays. This license allows retailers to sell beer, wine, and spirits from 7 am to noon on Sundays, which is outside the standard hours permitted by Michigan law.

The process for obtaining a special license involves submitting an application to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) and obtaining approval from local law enforcement. The MLCC provides detailed information on its website regarding the different types of licenses, application forms, and requirements. The cost for a special license is $300, and it is valid for one day. Organizations can obtain up to 12 special licenses per year. It is important to note that only bona fide nonprofit organizations may apply for this special license, and individuals are not eligible.

In addition to the special license, retailers must also have the appropriate retailer license to sell alcohol. The MLCC offers various types of retailer licenses, including on-premises licenses (such as Class C, Tavern, A-Hotel, and B-Hotel) and off-premises licenses (such as Specially Designated Merchant and Specially Designated Distributor). The availability of these licenses is subject to quotas based on population and location.

It is worth noting that local laws and regulations may vary, and it is always a good idea to check with the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding alcohol sales and licensing requirements in Michigan.

Alcohol cannot be sold after 9 pm on December 24 and all of December 25

In Michigan, alcohol sales are prohibited after 9 pm on December 24 and all day on December 25. This means that retailers cannot sell alcoholic beverages during this period, and consumers will not be able to purchase alcohol. The specific timing of this restriction is important to note, as it may impact holiday celebrations and shopping plans.

This restriction is part of Michigan's alcohol regulations, which allow for alcohol sales from 7 am to 2 am, Monday to Saturday, and from noon to 2 am on Sundays. While there have been changes to the laws regarding Sunday morning alcohol sales in recent years, the restriction on sales during the Christmas period remains in place.

The Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) oversees alcohol sales in the state and has implemented these regulations. The state has a monopoly on wholesale spirits sales and sets minimum prices for all alcohol sales. Additionally, Michigan law prohibits the sale of alcohol to anyone under 21 and to intoxicated individuals, with fines for non-compliance.

The state's alcohol market is thriving, with a unique blend of Midwestern hospitality and industrial grit. Local craft producers thrive alongside national brands, offering consumers a wide array of choices. Michigan is one of the largest control markets in the US, with spirit sales surpassing wine sales in recent years.

While the specific reason for the Christmas restriction is not explicitly stated, it is likely related to public health and safety concerns, as well as curbing excessive alcohol consumption during the holidays. This measure ensures that retailers and consumers adhere to responsible drinking practices during the festive season.

Alcohol sales are overseen by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC)

In Michigan, alcohol sales are overseen by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC). The state's alcohol system is regulated by the MLCC, which balances tradition with modern market demands. Michigan is a control state, meaning that it controls spirits on a wholesale level but allows authorised distribution agents (ADAs) to handle beer and wine distribution to retailers.

The MLCC is the primary licensing body for alcohol sales in Michigan. It offers several types of licenses depending on the specific operations of alcohol producers. These include:

• Distiller's License: For suppliers producing spirits.
• Small Distiller's License: For suppliers producing less than 60,000 gallons of spirits annually, with reduced costs and regulatory requirements.
• Out-of-State Seller of Alcoholic Liquor License: Allows out-of-state producers to sell spirits to Michigan wholesalers.

To sell spirits in Michigan, suppliers must register their product labels with the MLCC and ensure compliance with the state's labelling laws. Additionally, manufacturers and wholesalers must file schedules of cash prices for their products with the MLCC.

The MLCC also plays a role in regulating the sale of alcohol on Sundays. While state law allows alcohol sales from 7 am to 2 am on Sundays, local governments can pass resolutions to restrict these hours. Businesses can obtain a special permit from the MLCC to sell alcohol on Sunday mornings, which has been welcomed by many businesses as a boost to their profits.

Grocery and convenience stores can sell beer and wine

In Michigan, grocery and convenience stores can sell beer and wine. This includes major retailers like Walmart, Target, and CVS. These stores can sell beer and wine during the legal hours of 7 a.m. to 2 a.m., Monday to Saturday.

On Sundays, the sale of alcohol is permitted from noon to 2 a.m. However, retailers can obtain a special license extension to sell alcohol from 7 a.m. on Sundays, which has been allowed since a change in state law in December 2010. This change in law has been welcomed by businesses, who have seen an increase in profits, particularly from the sale of morning staples like mimosas and bloody marys.

It is important to note that the sale of alcohol is prohibited after 9 p.m. on December 24 and all of December 25 in Michigan. Additionally, retailers cannot sell alcohol to anyone under the age of 21, and it is illegal to sell alcohol to an intoxicated person.

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