MLCC On The Road

Getting Ready For The 2026 License Renewal

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 17:00:00 -0500

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 Portal Link: https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/lcc/renewal
For more information on or to register for the Michigan Craft Beverage Summit, please visit the Craft Beverage Council's website at MichiganCraftBeverage.com
Commission Approved Salesperson Accreditation Programs:

Michigan Salesperson License Accreditation Program - mbwwasaleslicense.org

Program managed by Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association - Phone: 517-482-5555 ext. 215

Michigan Brewers Guild’s Michigan Salesperson License Accreditation Program - https://www.mibeer.com/Training/Home

Program managed by Michigan Brewers Guild - Phone: 517-327-5004

The MLCC On The Road podcast is brought to you by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC). For more information on the MLCC, please visit our website at www.michigan.gov/lcc. To submit a question or idea for a podcast topic, please email mlccinfo2@michigan.gov.

The mission of the Michigan Liquor Control Commission is to make alcoholic beverages available for consumption while protecting the consumer and the general public through regulation of those involved in the sale and distribution of these alcohol beverage products.

What Endures When Laws Change: Tracing Michigan’s Alcohol Policy From 1774 To Now

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0500

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, intoxication, Sunday sales
• Location-specific premises and the meaning of “tavern”
• Restrictions near churches and the short-lived on-premises ban
• Township welfare protections and spendthrift limits
• Local option, dry counties, and failed early prohibition
• Oddities: cemetery buffers, crackers and pretzels, ad bans with ex-presidents
• Quotas tied to population and standard hours
• 1916 “forever” prohibition and 1932 repeal
• Birth of the Liquor Control Commission and control-state model

From Alpacas to Zebras: The Lewis Adventure Farm Story

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 18:00:00 -0400

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 family entertainment. What began as a simple market has evolved into a destination employing over 160 people during peak season, demonstrating the significant economic impact of agritourism on rural communities.

Owner Scott Lewis guides us through his family's remarkable journey, from traditional fruit farming to creating an immersive destination where children squeal with delight in corn boxes while parents enjoy craft cocktails and homemade pizza. The farm's menagerie of exotic residents—including kangaroos, sloths, capybaras, lemurs, and camels—creates unforgettable hands-on encounters for visitors of all ages. As Scott explains, "We want you to see stuff that you've never seen before, touch things that you've never touched before, and create memories with your family."

This conversation captures the essence of modern agricultural tourism—where traditional farming practices meet innovative entertainment experiences, creating spaces where multiple generations can connect through shared wonder and discovery. Whether you're planning your next family outing or dreaming of starting your own agritourism venture, this episode offers a heartwarming glimpse into how one Michigan farm family's vision created an extraordinary place where memories are made and cherished for years to come.

Taste the History, Toast to Revival - Detroit City Distillery

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 08:00:00 -0400

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 thoughtful business strategy that guided their expansion from Eastern Market to the historic Stroh's Ice Cream factory.

At the heart of Detroit City Distillery's philosophy is an unwavering commitment to Michigan-grown ingredients. The team reveals how they source 97% of their products from local grain, including a special strain of Michigan rye grown exclusively for them. This dedication to local sourcing doesn't just support Michigan agriculture—it creates spirits with distinctive flavor profiles that have earned loyal fans across the state.

The podcast delves into the creative process behind innovative products like their viral Paczki Vodka (distilled from actual Polish pastries) and their artful label designs that tell stories of Detroit's rich history. Each bottle serves as a canvas for storytelling, from the image of founder JP Jerome's bootlegger grandfather on their flagship Butcher's Cut Bourbon to the Michigan Central Station depicted on Railroad Gin.

Perhaps most compelling is how Detroit City Distillery demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, pivoting within hours to produce hand sanitizer and creating their special release "Shutdown Bourbon" as a symbol of Detroit's ability to rise from adversity. The team shares valuable insights for aspiring distillers: stay flexible, chase quality over trends, and above all, remain authentic to your vision.

Whether you're a spirits enthusiast, an entrepreneur, or simply someone who appreciates a great Michigan success story, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the craft, creativity, and community behind every bottle of Detroit City Distillery spirits.

Data, Policy, and Public Safety: NABCA's Role in Alcohol Control

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 08:00:00 -0400

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 stakeholders
• Control states reflect diverse community needs while maintaining consistent regulation and public health protections
• Education and outreach to licensees creates transparency and compliance rather than simply "licensing and walking away"
• NABCA partners with over 30 universities on research projects related to alcohol policy and public health

Alphabet Soup: The ABCs of Liquor Licensing in Michigan

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 16:00:00 -0400

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 applicant preparing to enter the industry, or simply curious about how Michigan's liquor control system operates, this engaging episode demystifies key terminology while laying the groundwork for future alphabetical explorations.

Fundraisers, Festivals, and Fairs - Oh My!

Fri, 09 May 2025 20:00:00 -0400

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 for a Special License or Temporary Permit, and the timeframe for applying (hint: earlier is always better).

For questions about Special Licenses and Temporary Permits, please email the MLCC's Licensing Division: lara-mlcc-licensing-information@michigan.gov.

Links to information on the MLCC website related to this episode:

Local Liquor Limits - Michigan's Dry Localities & License Quotas

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 08:00:00 -0400

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 in cities, villages, and townships.

As mentioned in this episode, the MLCC's website has a dedicated Local Governmental Resources page. Also, the please visit the MLCC's 90th Anniversary page for more information on the early years of the MLCC after Prohibition ended in 1933.

Hosts: Sara Weber and David Marvin

What is Mixed Spirit Drink?

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 18:00:00 -0400

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 standards of fill sizes listed in 27 CFR 5.203. Please check out the two-page mixed spirit drink informational sheet on the MLCC website for examples of products that are mixed spirit drink and those that are not.

Hosts: Sara Weber and David Marvin

Tips for Submitting a Complete Liquor License Application

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 08:00:00 -0500

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. Listen in to hear the conversation about why each are important to your application.

Tip 1 – Check Out The Checklist
Tip 2 – Correct Names Keep The Process On Track
Tip 3 – Confirm Whether Individual Or Trust
Tip 4 – Convictions Omitted Cause Concern
Tip 5 – Cover It In Your Cover Letter
Tip 6 – Consult With The Locals
Tip 7 – Communicate With Churches Or Schools
Tip 8 – Compile Financial Documents In Advance

Hosts: Sara Weber and David Marvin

It's Almost That Time of Year... Liquor License Renewal Time!

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0500

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.gov. Make sure you include the licensee name and the Business ID (BID) number that appear on your license (the BID number on your license and the Master BID are different numbers). Also, only a member of a licensed LLC, stockholder of a licensed corporation, or an individual licensee may request the Master BID and Master PIN.

The Licensing Division's email address for questions about licenses and permits is lara-mlcc-licensing-information@michigan.gov.

Hosts: Sara Weber and David Marvin

What's a Control State?

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 11:00:00 -0500

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

Introduction to MLCC On The Road

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0500

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 education grant.

Hosts: Sara Weber and David Marvin