Nearly 85,000 bottles of wine illegally shipped into Michigan during the 1st quarter of 2023

March 21, 2024

Enforcement by Attorney General Dana Nessel, Michigan Liquor Control Commission shows consistent decline in illegal shipments

LANSING, Mich. – According to data compiled by the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association (MB&WWA), 84,381 bottles of wine were shipped illegally into Michigan during the first quarter of 2023 – between January and March.

 

That’s down from 107,000 bottles of wine illegally shipped into Michigan during the first quarter of the previous year. The data continues to show a decrease in illegal shipping, with a 21% decline from the previous year for the first quarter of 2023. The data were compiled using reports from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission and excise tax data from the State of Michigan.

The sharply dropping number of illegal shipments highlights the ongoing work of Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Kristin Beltzer, Chair of the Michigan Liquor Control Commission, to crack down on violators and ramp up enforcement of out-of-state bad actors.

 

“These bad actors who knowingly violate state law put Michigan consumers and local retailers at risk and create a massive loss of tax revenue for schools, communities, emergency services, and more,” said Spencer Nevins, president of the MB&WWA. “We commend Attorney General Nessel and Chair Beltzer for their leadership and continued commitment to holding these unscrupulous actors accountable, protecting local retailers and preserving precious tax revenue for our state.”

 

Michigan law requires out-of-state wineries to obtain a direct shipper license before they can ship wine to Michigan consumers. Out-of-state retailers are prohibited from shipping wine directly to consumers in Michigan. These laws ensure taxes are paid and protect public health and safety.

 

The aggressive approach by Nessel’s office is leading the country in crackdowns on bad actors who illegally ship products into Michigan. Her office’s work has resulted in 29 lawsuits, multiple injunctions and tens of thousands of dollars in fines.

 

“While there is still work to be done, we’re making significant progress for Michigan consumers, businesses, and taxpayers,” Nevins said. “We urge Attorney General Nessel and the Michigan Liquor Control Commission to maintain their consistent attention to bad actors until illegal alcohol shipments into our state cease altogether.”

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.

Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association to open new headquarters in Boji Tower

By Rebecca Stow • December 8, 2025
LANSING, Mich. – The MB&WWA is proud to announce the opening of its new headquarters in the historic Boji Tower in downtown Lansing this Thursday, Dec. 11.

Ypsilanti-based O&W Inc. celebrates Giving Tuesday with donations to four local nonprofits

By Rebecca Stow • November 26, 2025
YPSILANTI, Mich. – As Giving Tuesday approaches on Dec. 2, O&W Inc., a fifth-generation beer distributor in Ypsilanti, celebrates its tradition of giving back.