Episodes

  • Alphabet Soup: The ABCs of Liquor Licensing in Michigan
    Jun 17 2025

    Ever wondered about the difference between "alcohol" and "alcoholic liquor"? What does "ABV" or "ADA" mean? This first episode of the MLCC On The Road Podcast's new series called Alphabet Soup will explore words and phrases in Michigan's liquor laws that start with the letter "A".

    Whether you're a licensee navigating regulations, an applicant preparing to enter the industry, or simply curious about how Michigan's liquor control system operates, this engaging episode demystifies key terminology while laying the groundwork for future alphabetical explorations.

    The MLCC On The Road podcast is brought to you by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC). For more information on the MLCC, please visit our website at www.michigan.gov/lcc. To submit a question or idea for a podcast topic, please email mlccinfo2@michigan.gov.

    The mission of the Michigan Liquor Control Commission is to make alcoholic beverages available for consumption while protecting the consumer and the general public through regulation of those involved in the sale and distribution of these alcohol beverage products.

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    30 mins
  • Fundraisers, Festivals, and Fairs - Oh My!
    May 10 2025

    With the summer event season right around the corner, we explore how nonprofit organizations can apply for Special Licenses to sell and serve alcohol at their fundraising events and how on-premises licensees (bars, restaurants, hotels) can add a Temporary Permit for outdoor service for their special events. We discuss who can apply, what are common mistakes to avoid when submitting an application for a Special License or Temporary Permit, and the timeframe for applying (hint: earlier is always better).

    For questions about Special Licenses and Temporary Permits, please email the MLCC's Licensing Division: lara-mlcc-licensing-information@michigan.gov.

    Links to information on the MLCC website related to this episode:

    • Special License Information and Checklist
    • Special License Application
    • Temporary Permit Application
    • Application For Prizes in Access of $250
    • Additional Bar Permit Application (Class C / B-Hotel Licensees Only)

    The MLCC On The Road podcast is brought to you by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC). For more information on the MLCC, please visit our website at www.michigan.gov/lcc. To submit a question or idea for a podcast topic, please email mlccinfo2@michigan.gov.

    The mission of the Michigan Liquor Control Commission is to make alcoholic beverages available for consumption while protecting the consumer and the general public through regulation of those involved in the sale and distribution of these alcohol beverage products.

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    33 mins
  • Local Liquor Limits - Michigan's Dry Localities & License Quotas
    Apr 11 2025

    People are often surprised to learn that there are areas in Michigan that are still dry for on-premises sales and service of spirits. In this episode we discuss the history of local on-premises spirits legalization that goes all the way back to the end of Prohibition in 1933. We'll also dive into the topic of local governmental unit quotas to explore the limits on retailer liquor licenses in cities, villages, and townships.

    As mentioned in this episode, the MLCC's website has a dedicated Local Governmental Resources page. Also, the please visit the MLCC's 90th Anniversary page for more information on the early years of the MLCC after Prohibition ended in 1933.

    Hosts: Sara Weber and David Marvin

    The MLCC On The Road podcast is brought to you by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC). For more information on the MLCC, please visit our website at www.michigan.gov/lcc. To submit a question or idea for a podcast topic, please email mlccinfo2@michigan.gov.

    The mission of the Michigan Liquor Control Commission is to make alcoholic beverages available for consumption while protecting the consumer and the general public through regulation of those involved in the sale and distribution of these alcohol beverage products.

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    22 mins
  • What is Mixed Spirit Drink?
    Mar 10 2025

    What is mixed spirit drink? What is it not? In this episode we explore which kinds of products are considered mixed spirit drink under Michigan law and which ones are not. We also delve into which types of licenses are necessary to manufacture, import, distribute, and sell mixed spirit drink in Michigan.

    As referenced in this episode, mixed spirit drink containers must meet the federal standards of fill sizes listed in 27 CFR 5.203. Please check out the two-page mixed spirit drink informational sheet on the MLCC website for examples of products that are mixed spirit drink and those that are not.

    Hosts: Sara Weber and David Marvin

    The MLCC On The Road podcast is brought to you by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC). For more information on the MLCC, please visit our website at www.michigan.gov/lcc. To submit a question or idea for a podcast topic, please email mlccinfo2@michigan.gov.

    The mission of the Michigan Liquor Control Commission is to make alcoholic beverages available for consumption while protecting the consumer and the general public through regulation of those involved in the sale and distribution of these alcohol beverage products.

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    26 mins
  • Tips for Submitting a Complete Liquor License Application
    Feb 10 2025

    In this episode we discuss 8 helpful tips (and maybe a few more) for submitting a complete application to help you avoid common mistakes or oversights when applying for a liquor license. A version of this tip sheet was originally developed by MLCC staff for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) at the University of Michigan.

    As mentioned in the episode, the 8 tips are listed below. Listen in to hear the conversation about why each are important to your application.

    • Tip 1 – Check Out The Checklist
    • Tip 2 – Correct Names Keep The Process On Track
    • Tip 3 – Confirm Whether Individual Or Trust
    • Tip 4 – Convictions Omitted Cause Concern
    • Tip 5 – Cover It In Your Cover Letter
    • Tip 6 – Consult With The Locals
    • Tip 7 – Communicate With Churches Or Schools
    • Tip 8 – Compile Financial Documents In Advance


    Hosts: Sara Weber and David Marvin

    The MLCC On The Road podcast is brought to you by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC). For more information on the MLCC, please visit our website at www.michigan.gov/lcc. To submit a question or idea for a podcast topic, please email mlccinfo2@michigan.gov.

    The mission of the Michigan Liquor Control Commission is to make alcoholic beverages available for consumption while protecting the consumer and the general public through regulation of those involved in the sale and distribution of these alcohol beverage products.

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    37 mins
  • It's Almost That Time of Year... Liquor License Renewal Time!
    Jan 10 2025

    In this episode we discuss the annual liquor license renewal process and how all renewal applications will be processed fully online license in 2025.

    As noted in this episode, if you are a licensee that needs the Master BID and Master PIN for your business in order to set up your online renewal portal account, you may request the Master BID and Master PIN by emailing mlcclicensingrenewals@michigan.gov. Make sure you include the licensee name and the Business ID (BID) number that appear on your license (the BID number on your license and the Master BID are different numbers). Also, only a member of a licensed LLC, stockholder of a licensed corporation, or an individual licensee may request the Master BID and Master PIN.

    The Licensing Division's email address for questions about licenses and permits is lara-mlcc-licensing-information@michigan.gov.

    Hosts: Sara Weber and David Marvin

    The MLCC On The Road podcast is brought to you by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC). For more information on the MLCC, please visit our website at www.michigan.gov/lcc. To submit a question or idea for a podcast topic, please email mlccinfo2@michigan.gov.

    The mission of the Michigan Liquor Control Commission is to make alcoholic beverages available for consumption while protecting the consumer and the general public through regulation of those involved in the sale and distribution of these alcohol beverage products.

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    22 mins
  • What's a Control State?
    Dec 12 2024

    In this episode we discuss the term 'control state' and learn why the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) is a control state. Spoiler alert: it's not because we have the word 'control' in our name!

    Hosts: Sara Weber and David Marvin

    The MLCC On The Road podcast is brought to you by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC). For more information on the MLCC, please visit our website at www.michigan.gov/lcc. To submit a question or idea for a podcast topic, please email mlccinfo2@michigan.gov.

    The mission of the Michigan Liquor Control Commission is to make alcoholic beverages available for consumption while protecting the consumer and the general public through regulation of those involved in the sale and distribution of these alcohol beverage products.

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    11 mins
  • Introduction to MLCC On The Road
    Dec 9 2024

    Welcome to the MLCC On The Road podcast. In our inaugural episode, we'll introduce our hosts - Sara Weber, Licensing Division Director and David Marvin, Executive Services Division Director - and we'll learn about the MLCC On The Road program.

    We thank the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA) for providing financial assistance for the MLCC On The Road program through an education grant.

    Hosts: Sara Weber and David Marvin

    The MLCC On The Road podcast is brought to you by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC). For more information on the MLCC, please visit our website at www.michigan.gov/lcc. To submit a question or idea for a podcast topic, please email mlccinfo2@michigan.gov.

    The mission of the Michigan Liquor Control Commission is to make alcoholic beverages available for consumption while protecting the consumer and the general public through regulation of those involved in the sale and distribution of these alcohol beverage products.

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    15 mins