MichMash: Michigan Legislature is considering changes to state liquor laws

Bills recently passed by the Michigan Senate would set penalties and potentially revoke liquor licenses for retailers defaulting on electronic payments to wholesalers — as well as requiring a separation of co-branded alcoholic beverages from non-alcoholic drinks to reduce underage drinking.

MichMash host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service’s Zach Gorchow are joined by Michigan Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association President Spencer Nevins to discuss the potential changes to the state’s alcohol laws that would have the most impact on the alcohol industry.

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In this episode:

• The head of the Michigan Department of Corrections, Heidi Washington, under fire for poor working conditions for the MDOC employees.
• Guidelines for co-branded alcohol.
• Michigan’s beer tax and why it hasn’t changed for 60 years.

Nevins shared how before Prohibition, we dealt in a deregulated system. Once the Prohibition era ended, lawmakers wanted the suppliers to be separated from the resale side. “They came up with the license system and put distributor in there. Distributors are required to be located in the state. And that’s where the state regulatory authorities can check to make sure taxes are being paid.” said Nevens.