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.”

Detroit News: Celebrating Michigan’s Family-Owned Beer and Wine Distributors

By Rebecca Stow • June 23, 2026
On June 23, National Family-Owned and Operated Businesses Day offers an opportunity to recognize the local companies that form the backbone of Michigan’s economy. Among them are the state’s beer and wine distributors—independent, family-owned businesses that have been serving their communities for decades. These are multigenerational operations rooted in Michigan communities, where leadership is often passed from one generation to the next. Their longevity reflects not only business success, but a deep commitment to the people and places they serve. When I began my work with the Michigan Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association two decades ago, the industry looked very different. Today, Michigan consumers enjoy an unprecedented variety of choices, supported by advanced logistics, compliance systems, and strong retail partnerships. That evolution has been driven in large part by family-owned distributors who continue to invest in their people, infrastructure and communities. Their local ownership gives them a unique understanding of the retailers and consumers they serve. It also means decisions are made with a long-term perspective—focused not just on growth, but on sustainability and community impact. Thoughtful alcohol policy helps ensure a fair and competitive marketplace, protects public health and safety, and allows businesses of all sizes to thrive. By maintaining strong relationships with lawmakers and industry partners, Michigan’s beer and wine distributors have helped modernize laws while preserving the structure and accountability of the proven three-tier system. As we recognize family-owned businesses across the state this June, it is worth celebrating the role Michigan’s beer and wine distributors have played for decades and will continue to play in the years ahead. Their strength lies not only in their ability to adapt, but in the values that have guided them from the beginning: local ownership, strong relationships, and a commitment to doing business the right way. Spencer Nevins is president of the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association in Lansing.

Mid-Michigan beer distributor celebrates 65 years in business, three generations of family leadership

By Rebecca Stow • May 4, 2026
OWOSSO, Mich. – Main Beverage Company marks 65 years in business this year, celebrating three generations of family leadership and a legacy rooted in mid-Michigan.

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).