Food & Beverage Corner – You Have Questions, We Have Answers

You Have Questions, We Have Answers!

The Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) takes much pride in keeping bar and restaurant owners up to date with new changes in law, as well as answering any questions that come along the way as a business owner.  Below you will see most recent commonly asked questions from the MLCC.  We know others might have the same questions, as we have had similar questions asked of our Government Relations team as well.

Question: What does a Special License allow?
 
Answer: A Special License is a contract between the Commission and the special licensee (only a nonprofit organization) granting authority to sell beer, wine, mixed spirit drink, or spirits at retail for consumption on the premises only for a limited period of time. A Special License is good for one day. An organization can obtain up to twelve (12) Special Licenses per year after completing the Special License Application and receiving approval from the Commission. All profits derived from the sale of alcoholic liquor must go to the organization itself and not to any individual.

Note: Local law enforcement approval is required for a Special License – and the Commission requires at least ten (10) working days to process the Special License Application.
 
Question: Does someone need, or can they get, a Special License for a private affair at a banquet hall?

Answer: The only type of Special License available is for bona fide nonprofit organizations such as Veterans of Foreign Wars, Knights of Columbus, etc. Normally, if someone is having a function at a banquet hall, such as a wedding reception, and the host and/or guests are supplying the food and alcoholic beverages and there are no charges of any kind including any entry fee or donation, no type of liquor license is available or required. It is, however, recommended that those who contemplate such an activity contact the local law enforcement agency or prosecutor’s office for any additional information, since they have jurisdiction in such matters.

Question: When are the Renewal Applications mailed out?

Answer: Renewal applications are mailed by the middle of March each year, and are sent to the business address, unless a different mailing address is on file.

Question: I just received my license in (a specific month), do I still have to renew my license on May 1st – and are the fees prorated?

Answer: All licenses are effective May 1 through April 30 of every year, regardless of when the license is obtained. Pursuant to MCL 436.1525(2), the fees for the various types of licenses shall not be prorated for a portion of the effective period of the license.

Question:  How long does it take to get my license after my Renewal Application is received at the Liquor Control Commission office?
 
Answer: Depending on the volume of applications received on a particular day, processing may take 2 – 3 business days. In most instances, however, renewal applications are processed the following day and mailed first class (mail delivery to areas outside the major metropolitan areas will take longer).

Note: No licenses are mailed prior to April 1st regardless of when the renewal application is received.