MB&WWA applauds Michigan AG, MLCC for ongoing crackdown on illegal alcohol shipments

March 27, 2025

Recent court actions against New York- and Washington-based wineries mark latest efforts to protect small businesses and jobs

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association (MB&WWA) is commending Attorney General Dana Nessel and the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) for their continued efforts to hold out-of-state companies accountable for illegally shipping alcohol into the state.

 

The aggressive approach by Attorney General Nessel’s office continues to lead the country in crackdowns on bad actors who illegally ship alcohol into Michigan. Her office has pursued 37 lawsuits, four of which are pending, resulting in multiple injunctions and significant fines. The latest cases against New York-based Pellegrini Vineyards and Washington-based Tsillan Cellars seek court orders to halt further shipments into Michigan and impose fines of up to $25,000 per violation.

 

“Illegal out-of-state alcohol shipments undermine Michigan’s small businesses, threaten jobs, and deprive our communities of much-needed tax revenue that funds schools, police, fire services and other critical resources,” said Spencer Nevins, president of the MB&WWA. “We applaud Attorney General Nessel and the MLCC for their steadfast commitment to protecting Michigan consumers and supporting the local businesses that follow the law.”

 

Under Michigan law, out-of-state wineries must obtain a direct shipper license to ship wine to Michigan consumers, while out-of-state retailers are strictly prohibited from doing so. These regulations ensure tax compliance, safeguard public health and safety, and uphold Michigan’s three-tier alcohol distribution system, which fosters competition and provides consumers with a wide range of choices.

 

Despite receiving cease and desist letters from the Attorney General’s office, investigators confirmed illegal shipments from both Pellegrini Vineyards and Tsillan Cellars through undercover purchases. These lawsuits are the latest in a series of successful enforcement actions that have imposed fines and secured court orders against violators.

 

“Attorney General Nessel’s decisive action sends a clear message that illegal alcohol shipments will not be tolerated in Michigan,” Nevins said. “We encourage continued vigilance to ensure our state’s laws are respected, protecting consumers and supporting Michigan’s thriving alcohol industry.”

Ypsilanti beer distributor partners on limited-edition release for Ann Arbor Summer Festival

By Rebecca Stow • April 14, 2026
YPSILANTI, Mich. – Local, family-owned beer distributor O&W Inc. in Ypsilanti is celebrating its collaboration with Michigan-based Griffin Claw Brewing Company to develop a limited-edition Session IPA for the upcoming Ann Arbor Summer Festival (A2SF).

Detroit News: Rooted in Community, Driven to Lead: Women in Michigan’s Beer and Wine Distribution Industry

By Rebecca Stow • March 17, 2026
Across Michigan’s beer and wine distribution industry, women are helping shape the future of our businesses and the communities we serve. As president and CEO of John P. O’Sullivan Distributing in Grand Blanc Township and the third woman to chair the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association (MB&WWA) Board of Directors, I’m proud to be part of a growing group of women leading with purpose and perspective. This year is especially meaningful for our company as we celebrate 50 years in business. Reaching that milestone is a reminder that strong local businesses are built over time through dedication, adaptability and the people who make long-term success possible—including the growing number of women shaping the future of the industry. Our work as beer and wine distributors is about far more than logistics. It’s about building resilient businesses that support jobs, give back locally and help maintain a fair and competitive marketplace. From sales and operations to finance, marketing and delivery, women are making meaningful contributions at every level of our industry. Distributors are proud to be local businesses with deep roots. We live and work in the communities we serve, and we embrace opportunities to give back—whether supporting neighborhood events, partnering with charitable organizations or helping local retailers succeed. That spirit of service is integral to our businesses and something we strive to carry forward. Beer and wine distributors also play a critical role in Michigan’s three-tier system, moving products safely and efficiently from supplier to shelf. This system supports competition and gives consumers access to an extraordinary variety of high-quality choices, from Michigan-made craft beverages to well-known national brands. As we celebrate Women’s History Month in March, I’m honored to recognize the many women who help drive Michigan’s beer and wine distribution industry forward. The continued success of this industry reflects the collaboration and determination of the people behind it—and women are playing an essential role in shaping what comes next. Joanie O’Sullivan-Butler is president and CEO of John P. O’Sullivan Distributing Inc. in Grand Blanc Township. She is also chair of the MB&WWA Board of Directors and sits on the MB&WWA Women’s Advocacy Committee.

Detroit News: This industry thrives because of the people who power it

By Rebecca Stow • December 30, 2025
As we close out the year, I’ve found myself reflecting on the milestones our industry has achieved and the people who made them possible. The skilled professionals who work in Michigan’s beer and wine distribution industry often start with a job that evolves into a long, fulfilling career with family-owned businesses deeply rooted in the communities they serve. Throughout 2025, the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association was proud to share the stories of over 100 individuals from across our industry, including women leaders, logistics professionals, truck drivers, veterans, salespeople, and more. We posed a simple question: What do you love most about working in beer and wine distribution? Across each campaign, a clear theme emerged among the answers: the people. Michigan’s independent beer and wine distributors support more than 6,400 jobs statewide, and each one involves building relationships. Whether helping a new restaurant choose the perfect draft lineup or wine list, sharing knowledge about new products and trends, making a delivery, or supporting a team member through their first big sale, these individuals take pride in working together to help their business partners and communities thrive. They know that success in the beer and wine industry isn’t just about what’s in the bottle—it’s about the people behind it. Throughout the holiday season and beyond, beer and wine distributors bring commitment and expertise to every aspect of this fast-paced, constantly evolving industry. They help consumers access a wide variety of quality products that are often shared during life’s big and small celebrations, bringing people together through shared experiences and traditions. The camaraderie in this industry sets it apart, creating meaningful work built on collaboration, trust, and shared success. Michigan’s beer and wine distributors are always seeking talented individuals to join their teams. From marketing, finance, and sales to warehouse operations, truck driving, or other essential roles, there are many rewarding career paths to explore. We encourage anyone interested in a dynamic, people-focused industry to reach out to their local distributors and learn more about available opportunities. As we look ahead to a new year, the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association remains committed to elevating and amplifying the remarkable work our distributors do. Their dedication turns everyday work into community impact and makes this industry truly exceptional. Spencer Nevins is the president of the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association in Lansing.