Enforcement by Attorney General Dana Nessel, Michigan Liquor Control Commission continues to yield decrease in illegal shipments

Lansing, MI – According to data compiled by the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association (MB&WWA), 106,653 bottles of alcohol were shipped illegally into Michigan from out-of-state retailers during the first quarter of 2022. 

From January through March of 2022, 524,283 bottles of alcohol were shipped into Michigan. Of that amount, 417,630 were from licensed shippers, meaning 106,653 bottles were shipped illegally into the state. By comparison, nearly 160,000 bottles of wine were shipped unlawfully into Michigan during the first quarter of 2020. In the first quarter of 2021, illegal alcohol shipments into Michigan were down to 71,529 bottles — a nearly 45% decrease in just one year. The data was 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, nation-leading work by Attorney General Dana Nessel and the Michigan Liquor Control Commission to crack down on violators and ramp-up enforcement of out-of-state bad actors. 

“The illegal practices of these bad actors who knowingly bypass state law put Michigan consumers and mom-and-pop 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 the Michigan Liquor Control Commission for their continued commitment to holding these unscrupulous retailers accountable, protecting small, independent retailers and preserving precious tax revenue for our state.” 

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. Her efforts have clearly conveyed that illegal wine shipping will not be tolerated in Michigan. The MLCC has also made it crystal clear to out-of-state retailers that wineries must be licensed by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission before they can legally ship their products into the state. 

“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 this momentum and continue going after bad actors until illegal alcohol shipments into our state cease altogether.” 

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