MB&WWA praises Michigan AG, MLCC for latest court victories against illegal alcohol shippers

March 14, 2023

Court orders involving New Jersey-, Hawaii-based companies latest in effort to halt illegal shipments that threaten small businesses, jobs

LANSING – The Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association today applauded state Attorney General Dana Nessel and the Michigan Liquor Control Commission for two court victories in February against out-of-state companies found to illegally ship wine and spirits into Michigan.


The court orders against New Jersey-based M & M Wines and Hawaii-based Island Distillers Inc. are the latest in Nessel’s and the MLCC’s continued crackdown on illegal, out-of-state shippers of alcohol.



“These enforcement actions are just the latest examples of holding illegal out-of-state companies accountable for breaking our laws and jeopardizing Michigan small businesses, jobs and critical tax revenue in our communities,” said Spencer Nevins, president of the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association. “We applaud Attorney General Nessel and the MLCC for continuing to support Michigan small businesses that follow our laws and contribute to the three-tier system that allows competition to flourish, giving consumers a wide range of choices and options.”


Illegal alcohol shipments are not tracked under Michigan rules and regulations, making it impossible to verify whether the out-of-state products are safe for consumers. The illegal shipments also avoid paying taxes, causing Michiganders to lose out on millions of dollars in tax revenue that fund police, fire services, schools and other vital services in our communities.


The Feb. 3 consent agreement in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan with New Jersey-based M & M Wines Corp. requires the company to pay a $9,500 fine and immediately cease illegally selling and shipping wine in Michigan. As part of the order, M & M Wines will also be required to add a disclaimer on any internet or other advertisement visible to Michigan consumers making clear their products are not available for purchase or shipment in Michigan. According to online records, M & M Wines is based in Clifton, New Jersey, and sells gift baskets that include wine, champagne, fruit, chocolates, truffles and cheese.


The Feb. 7 default judgment in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan against Island Distillers Inc. requires the Hawaii-based distiller to pay a state fine of $25,000 and halt illegal sales and shipments of their products into the state. The default judgment was issued after the company failed to respond to Nessel’s and the MLCC’s complaint.


Attorney General Nessel’s aggressive approach is leading across the nation, resulting in 19 lawsuits, multiple injunctions, and tens of thousands of dollars in fines. Under her leadership, and that of the MLCC, illegal shipments of wine into Michigan have dropped sharply since 2019 when a total 734,365 bottles of alcohol were shipped illegally into Michigan. These numbers dropped to roughly 107,000 bottles of wine illegally shipped into Michigan during the 1st quarter of 2022.


In one prominent case last year, the MLCC in coordination with Attorney General Nessel, issued a violation order against Wine.com, a large, out-of-state technology company that had illegally shipped wine into Michigan since at least 2015. The violation order required Wine.com to immediately cease all illegal direct shipments of alcohol to Michigan consumers. According to MLCC data, Wine.com was responsible for an estimated one-third of all direct shipping into the state without producing its own wine.


“Thanks to Attorney General Nessel and the MLCC, Michigan continues to prove itself a national leader when it comes to holding those who break our laws accountable,” Nevins said. “We cannot afford to rest on our laurels or let our guard down. We strongly encourage the attorney general and MLCC to remain laser-focused on illegal alcohol shippers that jeopardize our time-proven three-tier system, avoid paying taxes, and rob Michiganders blind of much-needed revenue to fund essential local services.”


The M & M Wines consent agreement can be viewed by clicking here. Attorney General Nessel’s announcement of the Island Distillers default judgment can be viewed by clicking here.

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).