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Before obtaining a Michigan alcohol manufacturing license, it is necessary to decide which license fits your needs.  
The list below (with a list of applicable fees) may be downloaded at the bottom of the page.

Manufacturing Licenses and how they may be obtained are discussed in greater detail in our section on "Manufacturing Licenses." (Coming Soon)

License Type



Brewer






Micro Brewer




Brewpub




Wine Maker



Small Wine Maker



Direct Wine Shipper

Winery Tasting Room


Brandy Manufacturer



Manufacturer of Mixed Spirit Drinks


Manufacturer of Spirits



Small Distiller
Description

Permits manufacturing an unlimited quantity of beer in Michigan.  Brewers may sell the beer they produce to licensed wholesalers.  Brewers may not sell directly to licensed retailers.  A Brewer who is not licensed as a Microbrewer may sell the beer it produces to consumers for on-premise consumption at one brewing facility in Michigan.  A Brewer may sell beer that it produces to consumers for off-premises consumption.  A Brewer may permit sampling of beer in a hospitality room located on the brewery premises.    

Permits manufacturing up to 30,000 barrels of beer annually (including production in any out-of-state facilities).  Micro Brewers may sell beer to licensed wholesalers and may not sell beer directly to licensed retailers.  Micro Brewers may sell beer at their brewery to consumers for on & off-premise consumption without an additional license.  A Micro Brewer may permit sampling of beer on the brewery premises. 

Permits manufacturing up to 5,000 barrels of beer annually.  A Brewpub must also hold an on-premise license (Class C, Tavern, A-Hotel, B-Hotel or Resort).  A Brewpub must operate a full service restaurant with at least 25% of gross sals from non-alcoholic items.  Brewpubs may not sell their beer to wholesalers or retailers.  Brewpubs may sell their beer to consumers for on-premises consumption or take-out.  A person may have an interest in up to three Brewpubs with total combined production not to exceed 5,000 barrels.  

Permits manufacturing an unlimited quantity of wine in Michigan.  Wine Makers may sell directly to wholesalers, to licensed retailers, or to consumers for off-premise consumption.  Wine Makers may sell wine to consumers for on-premise consumption from a restaurant on the winery premises.    

Permits manufacturing of up to 50,000 gallons of wine per year (including production at all licensed winery facilities).  Small Wine Makers may sell directly to wholesalers, to licensed retailers, or to consumers for off-premise consumption.  Small Wine Makers may sell wine to consumers for on-premise consumption from a restaurant on the winery premises. 

Permits direct-to-consumer shipments of domestic wine by in-state and out-of-state wineries. 

Permits sampling of a wine maker’s wines at a location other than the licensed winery.

Permits manufacturing of brandy.  Must be located in Michigan and must hold a Michigan Wine Maker or Small Wine Maker license at the same location and under the same legal entity.  May sell brandy directly to consumers for off-premise consumption from the licensed premises (at uniform price set by the Commission).  May also sell brandy to consumers for on-premise consumption in a restaurant at the manufacturing  premises.

Permits manufacturing of mixed spirit drinks (commonly known as wine coolers), that are spirit based beverages containing 10% or less abv.  Must be located in Michigan.  May sell directly to Michigan wholesalers.  May not sell directly to retailers or consumers.

Permits manufacturing of spirits.  Must be located in Michigan.  All spirits are sold to the Commission through a Vendor of Spirits.  May provide free samples to consumers on the manufacturing premises, but may not sell directly to consumers or retailers.

Permits manufacturing of 60,000 gallons of spirits and brandy (of all brands combined).  Must be located in Michigan.  May sell spirits to consumers at the manufacturing premises for on-premise or off-premise consumption.  May provide free samples to consumers on the manufacturing premises.  May not sell directly to retailers, but may sell spirit products to the Commission.   

Manufacturing License List.docx
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