MLCC On The Road

We recorded this episode on location at the Michigan Craft Beverage Summit in Muskegon, bringing in three voices who live this every day: Richard Anderson (Iron Fish Distillery), Jon O’Connor (Long Road Distillers and president of the Michigan Craft Distillers Association), and Larry Cekola (Imperial Beverage, one of Michigan’s Authorized Distribution Agents). Together, we unpack how the MLCC’s co...

As the old saying goes, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.  In this episode we unpack how estates, probate, and taxes intersect with liquor licensing and what steps keep a business compliant when an owner dies or owes back taxes. MLCC Licensing Deputy Director Jackie Anthony joins us to explain documents, approvals, levies, seizures, and the practical paths forward. • Diffe...

Paperwork doesn’t sell your first drink, but it absolutely decides when you can. We take you behind the scenes of Michigan’s liquor licensing process with Sherry Ashton, a supervisor who’s guided thousands of files from first submission to final issuance. Together we unpack the checkpoints that matter most—what “complete application” truly means, why fingerprinting now triggers later by staff requ...

In this episode, we break down how to renew your Michigan liquor license in the upcoming liquor license renewal period that starts on March 1, 2026.  We discuss club certifications and brewer barrel counts, MILogin pitfalls, payment timing, escrow rules, triennial renewals for Salesperson licenses, and the new tools that make printing licenses faster. Links Discussed In This Episode: MLCC Renewal...

We trace Michigan’s liquor laws from 1774 merchant rules to modern regulation, showing how taverns, quotas, Sunday bans, and “forever” prohibition shaped today’s safeguards. The throughline is simple: protect public welfare while supporting responsible commerce. • 1770s Detroit merchant rules and self-imposed fines • Early territorial licenses, fees, and local enforcement • 1838 reforms on credit,...

Step into the enchanting world of agritourism at Lewis Adventure Farm and Zoo, where four generations of farming heritage have blossomed into one of Michigan's most beloved family destinations. Nestled just six miles from Lake Michigan between Muskegon and Ludington, this 500-acre haven welcomes 160,000 visitors annually to experience the perfect blend of agriculture, exotic animals, and fami...

Join hosts Sara Weber and David Marvin at 100 Proof, Detroit City Distillery's new event space, as they sit down with Sales Manager Jamie Wright and Brand Development Manager Dante Desaro to uncork the fascinating journey behind this Michigan success story. The conversation flows from amusing beginnings—a bachelor party where the wedding never happened but a distillery was born—to the thought...

National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA) President Neal Insley joins MLCC Chair Kristin Beltzer for an insightful conversation about how control states balance commerce with public health through data-driven regulation and education. • NABCA is a non-advocacy organization providing unbiased, factual data to its 17 member control states and other alcoholic beverage industry stakeholder...

Ever wondered about the difference between "alcohol" and "alcoholic liquor"? What does "ABV" or "ADA" mean?  This first episode of the MLCC On The Road Podcast's new series called Alphabet Soup will explore words and phrases in Michigan's liquor laws that start with the letter "A". Whether you're a licensee navigating regulations, an...

With the summer event season right around the corner, we explore how nonprofit organizations can apply for Special Licenses to sell and serve alcohol at their fundraising events and how on-premises licensees (bars, restaurants, hotels) can add a Temporary Permit for outdoor service for their special events.  We discuss who can apply, what are common mistakes to avoid when submitting an application...

People are often surprised to learn that there are areas in Michigan that are still dry for on-premises sales and service of spirits.  In this episode we discuss the history of local on-premises spirits legalization that goes all the way back to the end of Prohibition in 1933.  We'll also dive into the topic of local governmental unit quotas to explore the limits on retailer liquor licenses i...

What is mixed spirit drink ?  What is it not?  In this episode we explore which kinds of products are considered mixed spirit drink under Michigan law and which ones are not.  We also delve into which types of licenses are necessary to manufacture, import, distribute, and sell mixed spirit drink in Michigan. As referenced in this episode, mixed spirit drink containers must meet the federal standar...

In this episode we discuss 8 helpful tips (and maybe a few more) for submitting a complete application to help you avoid common mistakes or oversights when applying for a liquor license.  A version of this tip sheet was originally developed by MLCC staff for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) at the University of Michigan. As mentioned in the episode, the 8 tips are listed below. ...

In this episode we discuss the annual liquor license renewal process and how all renewal applications will be processed fully online license in 2025. As noted in this episode, if you are a licensee that needs the Master BID and Master PIN for your business in order to set up your online renewal portal account, you may request the Master BID and Master PIN by emailing mlcclicensingrenewals@michigan...

In this episode we discuss the term 'control state' and learn why the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) is a control state.  Spoiler alert: it's not because we have the word 'control' in our name! Hosts: Sara Weber and David Marvin The MLCC On The Road podcast is brought to you by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC).  For more information on the MLCC, ple...

Welcome to the MLCC On The Road podcast.  In our inaugural episode, we'll introduce our hosts - Sara Weber, Licensing Division Director and David Marvin, Executive Services Division Director - and we'll learn about the MLCC On The Road program. We thank the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA) for providing financial assistance for the MLCC On The Road program through an...