MICHIGAN LIQUOR CONTROL COMMISSION

FLINT, MI -- The Michigan Liquor Control Commission has turned down an appeal that sought to reverse the revocation of a liquor license at Cheers Market, a party store that Flint officials have long said was a nuisance to the west side neighborhood in the area of Ballenger Highway and Flushing Road. Jeannie Vogel, an LCC spokeswoman, said the market’s license holder -- American Spirit LCC -- had asked that its license be suspended rather than revoked so that it could be sold to a new owner. Although the store was not required to shut down, its liquor sales, which accounted for more than $270,000 in revenue last year, were not allowed to continue. Burns said Thursday that the perseverance of neighbors who supported the revocation was key to keeping Cheers out of the neighborhood. Read more at The Flint Journal:Flint could tag party store as a public nuisance after more than 100 calls to police in less than a yearFlint council drops proposal to brand Cheers Market a nuisance

SOUTH HAVEN, MI -- South Haven has joined other communities in Michigan in approving a downtown social district, with a designated commons area where approved alcoholic beverages will be allowed with restrictions, pending approval from a state agency. Liquor licensees outside of the social district boundary will not eligible to apply to serve drinks under the district, Hosier said. The South Haven City Council approved plans for a social district, within the boundaries shown on this map, on Dec. 5. The city of South Haven will provide stickers of the South Haven Social District logo to all social district permit holders. The move follows similar actions in other communities including the city of Kalamazoo, which established a social district to allow drinking in a portion of downtown in 2020.

ANN ARBOR, MI -- Ann Arbor liquor stores are now checking for identification more frequently, according to a recent round of state inspections. Of the 10 retailers selling alcohol for off-premises consumption that were inspected, eight checked identification, according to a study done by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. The most recent inspections revealed that 90% of Ann Arbor bars and restaurants checked identification, down from the 100% pass rate from previous inspections. The overall pass rate is 85%, up from the 65% pass rate from previous inspections. The Michigan Alcohol Responsibility Program, sponsored by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission, was conducted by young, legal-age shoppers who provided Ann Arbor stores with on-the-spot feedback for how they conducted ID checks.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - GRNoir Wine & Jazz will now be joining other businesses across the country in offering guests the ability to pour their own glass of wine with wine dispensing machines. The State of Michigan Liquor Control Commission recently passed legislation for establishments to provide self-service wine, allowing GRNoir to fulfill its original vision for the lounge. Distributed by Wineemotion USA, these machines are a wine card-based system with intuitive button controls that dispense the perfect pour every time. RELATED: ‘Everyone feels welcome,’ at GRNoir Wine & Jazz diverse downtown Grand Rapids venueBy purchasing a self-serve card, guests can bypass ordering their choice of wine by walking directly to the dispensing machines for perfectly measured two, three or five-ounce pours. “We designed our space around our wine dispensing machines in hopes that the state would eventually support self-dispensing,” Brigham said.

The bar and music venue is under new management from the Detroit Shipping Co.

On Monday, Sept. 19, the Kalamazoo City Commission approved a license for a winery to offer drinks at The Grazing Table, at 402 S. Burdick St. in downtown Kalamazoo, which opened for business in fall 2021. The company is planning to expand their footprint into downtown Kalamazoo with an offsite tasting room at The Grazing Table on the Kalamazoo Mall, 468 Wine Founder Lauren Bodamer told MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette. The Party Board sold at The Grazing Table in Kalamazoo on Thursday, October 7, 2021. The city agenda packet states the company is Truly Kind, LLC, doing business as 468 Wine LLC. The Grazing Table opened in October 2021 for dine-in and take-out charcuterie, mocktails, catering, wine and cheese pairing classes and more.

ANN ARBOR, MI -- A recent sweep of Ann Arbor liquor retailers showed that only half of local stores check for identification, the state said. The program checked five Ann Arbor bars and restaurants, with all five passing. The program was conducted by young, legal-age shoppers who provided Ann Arbor stores with on-the-spot feedback for how they conducted ID checks. Related: 100% of Ann Arbor bars, restaurants check ID before selling alcohol, report saysIn fall 2021, 36 of 44 retail liquor licensees in Ann Arbor checked IDs when selling alcohol, equating to a compliance rate of 82%, a rate less than the 86% statewide average. Read more from The Ann Arbor News:New roundabout near Ann Arbor opens after weeks of constructionPay what you can in this Ann Arbor restaurant’s new pay-it-forward programDiscovery of OnlyFans account leads to Detroit cop leaving force

LANSING, MI – A state lawmaker is urging the Michigan Liquor Control Commission to stop buying Russian-made products in response to the military invasion of Ukraine. Some U.S. governors are directing their state-run liquor stores or liquor agencies to stop selling Russian spirits as a sign of solidarity with Ukraine. In response to Yaroch’s letter, the Michigan Liquor Control Commission deferred to the governor for comment. We are currently reviewing the options to ensure that they have the maximum effect while insulating our state’s economy from any disruption,” press secretary Bobby Leddy wrote in the statement. More on MLive:Russia pummels Ukraine’s second-largest city as 40-mile convoy nears Kyiv‘We are standing on their side’: Michigan Senate passes resolution supporting UkraineUkrainian-Americans in Michigan protest ‘horrific’ Russian invasion

That’s because Rad Dads’, which is located inside the Mercy Health Arena with street access, will be able to join the downtown social district. Rad Dads’ Owner Matthew Gongalski told MLive the restaurant may reopen for limited hours next week serving only food. The civic center license prevented Rad Dads’ from selling alcohol to go and joining the Muskegon downtown social district, which just about every other drinking establishment has done. Rad Dads’ can be entered off West Western Avenue, where it has set up an outdoor patio. Rad Dads’ has had to hire security on weekends to prevent people from walking off Rad Dads’ property with their drinks, Gongalski said.

Michigan residents drink more beer than all other types of alcohol combined – but beer is on the decline in recent decades, according to data from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. Beer has been on a steady decline since at least the early 1990s in Michigan, despite growing trends like home-brewing and microbreweries and the proliferation of ciders and seltzers (which, in most cases, fall in the beer category). Meanwhile, wine, liquor and mixed spirit drink consumption are all on the rise.

Illegal alcohol shipments coming into Michigan have been cut in half in just one year. Comparatively, in the same time frame in 2020 the number of illegal alcohol shipments hovered around 160,000 bottles. The data was compiled from reports from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission and excise tax data from the state of Michigan. That downward trend continued as 2021′s illegal shipments were 55% lower than the previous year. Wineries must be licensed by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission before they can legally ship wine directly to Michigan customers.

Rising cases of the Omicron variant are affecting staffing at Michigan’s liquor distribution centers, according to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. The MLCC advised licensees to order larger quantities and space out orders to help ease the burden of staff shortages. Businesses purchased more than $1.8 billion in liquor in 2020 from the state, to sell to their customers, according to MLCC data. If staff shortages delay distribution the MLCC recommended buying from local liquor stores and retailers to fill in the gaps. Businesses can buy up to 120 liters of spirits from liquor stores in a calendar year.

ANN ARBOR, MI -- Ann Arbor businesses are checking IDs during alcohol sales 4% less than the state average, according to a report from the Michigan Alcohol Responsibility Program. A mystery shopper program conducted this fall on behalf of the Michigan Liquor Control Commission found that 36 of the 44 retail liquor licensees checked IDs when selling alcohol. The program was conducted by young, legal-age shoppers who provided Ann Arbor stores with on-the-spot feedback for how they conducted ID checks. Ann Arbor City Council Member Kathy Griswold, D-2nd Ward, is also a member of the council’s liquor license review committee. “If Ann Arbor is below the state average, I’m definitely concerned about that,” Griswold said, adding she plans to alert the city administrator.

FLINT, MI -- The city’s plan to fight the renewal of liquor licenses for Cheers Market could get a boost next week as the City Council decides whether to join Mayor Sheldon Neeley in declaring it a public nuisance. “It’s been a problem business since I was elected,” said 8th Ward Councilman Allan Griggs, who has pushed for the resolution. 1st Ward Councilman Eric Mays requested Wednesday that a representative of Cheers attend Monday’s meeting before the final vote. “I’d like to know why he refuses to work with that community.”A spokeswoman for the LCC said liquor licenses are considered for renewal on a yearly basis. State records show Amrik Singh listed as the resident agent for Cheers, which holds two liquor licenses under the name American Spirits LLC.

The City Council is scheduled to consider a resolution to do both things concerning Cheers Market, 2809 W. Court St., during a committee meeting Wednesday, Sept. 22. Neeley issued a statement to MLive-The Flint Journal, calling the nuisance resolution a joint effort with the council, which was presented to him by the Flint Department of Law. Flint’s gun violence has been on a record-setting pace throughout 2021 with 52 homicides as of Sept. 19, according to police department crime statistics. The Cheers nuisance resolution is supported by 8th Ward Councilman Allan Griggs, who represents the area where the market is located. “They refuse to cooperate,” Griggs said of the Cheers store.

PLYMOUTH, Mich. – A restaurant in Downtown Plymouth has had its liquor license suspended after the state officials said it violated five of Michigan’s COVID-19 rules. State officials said the restaurant violated five COVID-19 restrictions:Allowed non-residential, indoor gatherings without requiring people to be seated at tables. The MLCC has suspended Greek Island Eatery’s Class C license and permits for Sunday sales (a.m. and p.m.), entertainment, the outdoor service area, direct connection and an additional bar. The restaurants actions increased the chance of COVID-19 spread, according to the state. Anyone who wants to report a business violating COVID-19 rules can file a complaint at 866-893-2121 or go to www.michigan.gov/lcc.

Michigan judges have handed out penalties and liquor license suspensions to another batch of restaurants and bars that ignored the state’s dine-in ban – including a $4,200 fine and 51-day suspension for one business in the Upper Peninsula. The Michigan Liquor Control Commission posted the latest nine decisions from administrative law judges to its website this week. Since September, the MLCC has suspended liquor licenses at 40 businesses for violating COVID-19 orders, including 37 since the dine-in ban started Nov. 18. The bar is being fined $4,200, with a license suspension in place through April 11. Some of the penalties stem from being open during the dine-in ban, which ended in Michigan on Jan. 31.

MARQUETTE, Mich. – A Michigan business has had its liquor licenses and permits suspended because it didn’t require masks, exceeded the capacity limit and stayed open past curfew, according to the state. The maximum capacity allowed for indoor dining is 25%, and a 10 p.m. curfew was installed. Michigan officials accuse the Wooden Nickel, at 1751 Presque Isle Avenue in Marquette, of violating several COVID-19 indoor dining rules. According to the state, the company allowed non-residential indoor gatherings, failed to require cave coverings for staff members and patrons, exceeded the 25% capacity limit and allowed indoor dining after 10 p.m. Since September, the state has suspended the liquor licenses of 40 businesses for alleged violations of COVID-19 emergency orders.

The state of Michigan has suspended liquor licenses and permits for two businesses Thursday for allegedly violating restrictions designed to prevent coronavirus spread. As of Feb. 4, the state has issued liquor license suspensions for a total of 39 businesses -- including the two above -- for allegedly violating Michigan’s COVID order. Under the new order, Michigan bars and restaurants are allowed to resume indoor dining services -- with restrictions in place -- after a months-long ban on indoor dining designed to help curb virus spread. Read: Here are the 8 changes to Michigan COVID restrictions coming next month under new orderAnyone who wishes to report a violation at an establishment or suspected non-compliance with the MDHHS order can call the Michigan Liquor Control Commission’s toll free hotline at 866-893-2121. AdOn Thursday, Feb. 4, the state of Michigan reported a total of 565,251 confirmed coronavirus cases and a total of 14,778 virus deaths.

DETROIT – Three Michigan businesses have had their liquor licenses suspended for violating COVID-19 safety rules regarding masks and gatherings, according to the state. The Michigan Liquor Control Commission cited multiple violations of the current Michigan Department of Health and Human Services emergency order. Since September, the MLCC has suspended the liquor licenses of 37 businesses throughout the state. On Jan. 14, the state ordered the emergency suspension of the liquor licenses and permits for 408, Inc. d/b/a The Post Local Bistro. On Jan. 15, the state ordered the emergency suspension of the liquor licenses and permits for KG Hardscrabble, LLC, d/b/a Bitely Tavern.

DETROIT – The state of Michigan has ordered the emergency suspension of liquor licenses for three businesses accused of violating COVID-19 gathering and mask rules. The Michigan Liquor Control Commission cited multiple violations of the current Michigan Department of Health and Human Services emergency order. Since September, the MLCC has suspended the liquor licenses of 34 businesses throughout the state. The cafe’s Class C liquor license and permits for Sunday sales, additional bar, dance entertainment and extended hours was suspended, state officials said. The hearing will determine whether the suspension should continue or be replaced by other fines and penalties, officials said.

DETROIT – On Tuesday, the Michigan Liquor Control Commission suspended the liquor licenses and permits of five additional businesses. The state agency noted that the action was taken against the businesses for breaking the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services extended COVID restrictions. Businesses that violated the MDHHS order include Brooklyn’s in Wyandotte, Powell’s Pub in Ypsilanti, Mike’s Sports Page in Charlotte, Plymouth ROC Restaurant and Sahara Restaurant in Sterling Heights. “Licensees are strictly prohibited from allowing indoor gatherings, as defined by the MDHHS Gatherings and Face Mask Order, on their licensed premises. Allowing this activity to continue could create additional outbreaks of COVID-19,” said the State of Michigan in a news release.

The state agency noted that the action was taken against the businesses for breaking the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services extended COVID restrictions. In August, Michigan first announced a settlement of more than $600 million in the Flint water lawsuit. CVS Health announced it is launching a nationwide effort to help vaccinate thousands of staff and residents at long-term care facilities against COVID-19. As part of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ new COVID-19 order, certain entertainment venues that had been closed for the last month can reopen with limited capacity. Gretchen Whitmer along with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced both are ready to start reopening a lot of businesses Monday.

DETROIT – On Monday, the Michigan Liquor Control Commission suspended the liquor licenses and permits of five more businesses. The state agency noted that the action was taken against the businesses for breaking the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services extended COVID restrictions. Businesses that violated the MDHHS order include Oak Café in Wyandotte, Tenacity Brewing in Flint, J. Knapps in Richmond, Limelight Pizza Kitchen Grill and Bar in Warren and Fast Eddie’s Bar and Grill in Mount Clemens. “Licensees are strictly prohibited from allowing indoor gatherings, as defined by the MDHHS Gatherings and Face Mask Order, on their licensed premises. Allowing this activity to continue could create additional outbreaks of COVID-19,” said the State of Michigan in a news release.

WARREN, Mich. – The Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) issued an emergency suspension of liquor license and permits for Andiamo’s Warren restaurant on East 14 Mile Road in violation of Michigan’s current COVID-19 restrictions. According to the MLCC on Tuesday, the suspension was issued on Dec. 10 for L.V. READ MORE:According to the suspension report, on Dec. 4, MLCC’s Enforcement Division were investigating a complaint they received about the licensee allowing indoor gathering in November. The report stated when investigators went to the location on Dec. 4 to investigate, they noticed a seating chart listing 62 guests with table assignments. The report stated that while tables were properly spaced, “the guests were not socially distanced at the tables or when mingling around the ballroom.

The Michigan Liquor Control Commission has suspended liquor licenses from seven more restaurants and a bowling alley for allowing in-person gatherings and disregarding the mask mandate. So far, 21 businesses have had their liquor licenses suspended since September for not following the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services orders. For the first batch of restaurants, all of the hearings resulted in further fines and all but one had their liquor licenses suspended for at least another 45 days. Here’s the latest batch of eight restaurants to get their liquor licenses suspended. The public can report any eateries with liquor licenses that are violating MDHHS orders by calling 866-893-2121.

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) has issued emergency suspensions of the liquor licenses and permits for an additional eight businesses across Michigan. Since September 2020, the MLCC has suspended liquor licenses of a total of 21 establishments located throughout the state for violations of the COVID-19 restrictions. The MLCC issued an emergency suspension order of its Class C liquor license and permits for Sunday Sales (P.M.), Dance-Entertainment, Additional Bar, and Catering. The MLCC issued an emergency suspension order of its Class C, and Specially Designated Merchant liquor licenses, and permits for Sunday Sales (P.M.), Dance, and Outdoor Service. The MLCC issued an emergency suspension order of its Class C, and Specially Designated Merchant liquor licenses, and permits for Sunday Sales (A.M and P.M.), Dance, and Outdoor Service.

It's a losing situation," Vicari said during a Zoom meeting on Dec. 2. "There are some people who've convinced me to work with the administration and look for a compromise. "But on Dec. 10, the MLCC issued emergency suspensions of the liquor licenses at the Andiamo Italia located at 7096 E. 14 Mile Rd. East in Plymouth Township also had its licenses suspended. A group of local health experts responded with a letter of their own, calling Vicari "reckless."

PORT HURON, MI -- The Office Bar in Port Huron is the latest establishment to have its liquor license suspended by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission over violations of current COVID-19 restrictions. The partial shutdown that barred indoor dining and in-person instruction for high schools and colleges will continue through Dec. 20, Gov. The order, put in place by Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Robert Gordon, was slated to expire Dec. 8. The MLCC has suspended liquor licenses of an additional 10 establishments located throughout the state for violations of the emergency and executive orders due to the pandemic. Read more:Bowling alley, BBQ joint licenses suspended after COVID-19 order defianceSeveral Michigan restaurants and bowling alleys fined, licenses suspended after defying public health ordersLapeer restaurant continues dine-in service despite cease and desist order, $1,000 fineMichigan cites restaurants and suspends liquor licenses to bars violating COVID-19 shutdown orderBusinesses can ‘likely’ mandate coronavirus vaccine for employees, attorney says

A restaurant in Gaylord is the latest to have its liquor license suspended by the state for violating Michigan’s COVID-19 prohibition on in-person dining. The Michigan Liquor Control Commission suspended the liquor licenses at Iron Pig Smokehouse, which decided this week to reopen in defiance of the state health order. It’s the seventh restaurant to have its liquor license suspended for reopening during the three-week ban. Ironically, the liquor control official who came to the restaurant Wednesday to tear down the liquor license and pour out beer wasn’t wearing a mask, Murphy alleged. Violations of the COVID-19 shutdown order could result in a permanent revocation of liquor licenses, the state said in a news release.

A liquor license has been suspended at a Michigan establishment Wednesday for violating the state’s recent public health order meant to slow the spread of coronavirus. The Michigan Liquor Control Commission issued an emergency suspension of the liquor license at Iron Pig Smokehouse in Gaylord. The state’s health order is currently in effect until Dec. 8. Anyone who wishes to report a violation at an establishment or suspected non-compliance with the MDHHS order can call the Michigan Liquor Control Commission’s toll free hotline at 866-893-2121. On Thursday, the state reported 7,146 new COVID-19 cases and 175 new deaths in Michigan since Wednesday.

Liquor licenses have been suspended at three Michigan establishments Wednesday for violating the state’s recent public health order meant to slow the spread of coronavirus. Anyone who wishes to report a violation at an establishment or suspected non-compliance with the MDHHS order can call the Michigan Liquor Control Commission’s toll free hotline at 866-893-2121. Related: Nov. 25, 2020: State suspends 3 liquor licenses, cites 4 establishments for violating Michigan COVID orderOn Wednesday, the state reported 6,955 new COVID-19 cases and 81 new deaths in Michigan since Tuesday. In total, Michigan has reported 373,197 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 9,405 deaths. New COVID-19 cases are slowing but deaths continue to rise in Michigan.

Three Michigan businesses have had an emergency suspension of their liquor licenses and permits for “multiple violations” of the state’s public-health orders regarding coronavirus mitigation, according to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. The businesses are the Silver Beach Hotel in St. Joseph, the Mine Shaft & Rock House in Houghton and Chapz Roadhouse in Lakeview. The violations include allowing in-person gatherings; providing in-person dining; failure to require face coverings for staff and patrons; and failure to prohibit patrons from congregating, the MLCC press release said. “But the state has an obligation to protect the public health and welfare, and the emergency public health orders and the associated closures are needed to save lives. Since September, the MLCC has suspended liquor licenses of other six establishments located in Newaygo, Fremont, Fenton, Muskegon Heights, Conklin and Grand Rapids for violations of the emergency and executive orders due to the pandemic.

Liquor licenses have been suspended at three Michigan establishments Wednesday for violating the state’s recent public health order meant to slow the spread of coronavirus. The Michigan Liquor Control Commission issued emergency suspensions of liquor licenses at the following establishments:Jimmy’s Roadhouse in Newaygo, permit held by Cory’s Restaurant, Inc. The MDHHS also announced Tuesday citations issued to numerous establishments accused of not complying with the latest emergency order. On Wednesday, the state reported 4,273 new COVID-19 cases and 73 new deaths in Michigan since Tuesday. In total, Michigan has reported 324,779 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 8,761 deaths.

PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. A cold one while Max chases his buddies? An indoor dog park is in the works near Grand Rapids. The Plainfield Township Board recently voted to give a liquor license to The Pack Indoor Dog Park, WOOD-TV reported. The recommendation now goes to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. Address: 5205 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, Michigan 49321

LANSING, Mich. Michigan on Wednesday announced a $3 million fine against the state's largest liquor distributor over delays in shipping booze to vendors. NWS Michigan, which does business as Republican National Distributing Co., acknowledged 88 violations of state law to settle an investigation stemming from liquor supply shortages in late 2019. Attorney General Dana Nessel and Michigan Liquor Control Commission Chairman Pat Gagliardi called the penalties unprecedented in liquor regulatory circles. The Liquor Control Commission, which is the sole wholesaler of liquor in Michigan, uses three private distributors. We are glad to have this matter behind us, said Joe Gigliotti, the company's regional president of control states.

click to enlarge Alexandru Nika / Shutterstock.comWe totally get it. and the entire state homebound, it's no wonder that alcohol sales are on the rise, not just here, but nationwide. According to market research firm Nielsen, alcoholic beverage sales are up 55% as of the week of March 15-22 across the country. Maybe you've heard of it?, the MLCC urges folks to set limits when drinking and to not allow the collective trauma and grieving we're experiencing to increase our usual non-dystopian drinking limits. Also per MLCC, women 65 and younger should stick to just one drink or less per day (yeah,) and men 65 and younger should limit themselves to two or fewer drinks per day (WTF?!)..