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: 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).