happenings in Michigan

Disturbing news from across the lake... ----- Forwarded message from MIBeerguyd(a)aol.com ----- Date: Thu, 6 Nov 2003 13:26:30 EST From: MIBeerguyd(a)aol.com Reply-To: MIBeerguyd(a)aol.com Subject: AABG: Re: MCAB VI To: jeffrenner(a)comcast.net, aabg(a)hbd.org, FORD(a)hbd.org, MIBeerguyd(a)aol.com Hello Folks, I feel the need to share something that is going on in Michigan right now. As a result of a complaint to the MLCC, brewpubs, micros and retailers are being investigated. Not all, at least not yet, have been contacted/visited. But at least one of each of these business has and word to the wise is that it will continue. Please note, that regardless of what arrangement you may have had in the past, there are certain things going on in our state that while common and to us no big deal, are in fact illegal. For example; Beer tastings featuring other breweries and or brewpubs. Alcohol tastings to the public where one price gets many samples Any event where alcohol walks in the door, even if by a retailer or distributor Any alcohol was not bought from a distributor who serves the designated area. Any homebrew opened for any reason in a licensed establishment This has affected the following events already: Style appreciation nights Polar Beer Festival Merchants Scotch Tasting Over the Mill This will also affect any homebrew club meeting at any brewery or licensed establishment where homebrew is tasted. Please recall that for MIY2K, we got a variance from the MLCC. At Rochester Mills, we got MLCC permission to hold the competition by agreeing to hold judging off the licensed premise - as in downstairs in the basement offices - which are now no longer available to us. This pretty much means that any competition or tasting must be held at a non-licensed venue. I think we all need to get together and work on another legislative change. Cheers! Rex Halfpenny Michigan Beer guide ----- End forwarded message -----