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Alcohol Control in Michigan

Convoluted Distribution Laws Hurt Craft Brewers


Three-tier system protects distributor's quasi-monopoly.

NEW POLICY BRIEF: Alcohol Control Reform and Public Health and Safety

The Mackinac Center's latest policy brief on the topic of alcohol regulation explores a highly original question, Is the argument that liquor controls are to help public health and safety a valid one? By comparing "control" states and "license" states in rates of alcohol-related deaths, drunk-driving fatalities or binge drinking, as well as compiling extensive data from recent studies on the topic, authors Michael D. LaFaive and Antony Davies bring us closer to a better understanding of the real-life effects of alcohol regulation on Michigan residents. ...more

Prohibition's Legacy: A History of Michigan's Liquor Regulations

The Mackinac Center for Public Policy has long investigated alcohol regulations in the state of Michigan, often to the detriment of the market for alcohol without tangible social or financial benefits to consumers. Below is a complete inventory of Mackinac Center resources on the pesky regulatory overkill that still burdens Michigan consumers. ...more

Michael D. LaFaive

Morey Fiscal Policy Director

Commentary: State's Alcohol Reform Ideas are Diamonds in a Very Big Rough

Mackinac.org, 7/10/2012

Commentary: Rethink Michigan's Liquor Distribution System

Detroit Free Press, 07/31/2011

Related Blog Posts

If the Monopoly Title Fits, Wholesalers Should Wear It

Posted on Feb. 2, 2012 at 6:30pm

Hand Wringing Over Liquor Reforms

Posted on Dec. 13, 2011 at 2:58pm

CapCon Commentary

Time to Scotch Michigan's Wholesale Alcohol Monopolies

Posted on March 5, 2012 at 7:23am

Washington Offers Lessons for Michigan Liquor Reform

Posted on Feb. 2, 2012 at 6:30pm

Additional Resources

Prohibition: A film by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick

This three-part documentary is an excellent educational—and entertaining—resource on the rise, fall and rule of the Eighteenth Amendment. ...more

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