Practices

Liquor Licenses - Alcoholic Beverages

The Michigan Liquor Control Commission has authority in the State of Michigan over the distribution of alcoholic beverages. This includes the granting of liquor licenses, approval or transfer of licenses, inspections and investigations, citations for violations of liquor laws, trade practice regulation, and all other aspects of Michigan law as they relate to the import, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages. Any business involved in the import, manufacture, distribution, delivery, merchandising, or promoting of beer, wine or spirits in Michigan must be licensed. Michigan has established a three-tiered system (retailer, wholesaler, and manufacturer), with every licensee falling into one, and only one of the three-tier categories.

As legal counsel to a large number of licensed businesses, including retail, wholesale, and importers, Fraser Trebilcock represents businesses on a variety of diverse issues relating to the import, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages. Our attorneys are experienced in representing clients in the following areas:

• Application for retail or wholesale liquor or spirits licenses
• Transfer of retail and wholesale liquor or spirits licenses
• Violation of liquor laws
• Transfer of interest in retail or wholesale licensed business
• Liability for furnishing alcoholic beverages
• Insurance requirements
• Michigan Liquor Control Commission Rules and Regulations
• Appearances before the Michigan Liquor Control Commission
• Licensing by Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau