Founded in 1939, the MLBA gives Michigan licensees the competitive edge they need to survive and maintain a thriving business. From the neighborhood bar, to the full service hotel, the MLBA understands the problems licensees face - regulation, over taxation and a decreasing market.

The MLBA was founded by business men and women just like you. They were people living the American dream of owning their own businesses, but were challenged by strict regulations and Prohibitionists. They recognized that they needed to band together to fight for their survival and prosperity.

Today, the faces and names have changed but many of the same challenges remain. From those early beginnings, the Michigan Licensed Beverage Association has evolved into a modern day full-service trade association, offering its members a wide range of support services designed to help them run their businesses more efficiently and to make sure our laws and regulations are administered fairly.

The MLBA's purpose is to improve the business climate for its members by playing a pro-active role with state and local legislative processes, state and local public safety entities, and the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC), as well as implementing innovative and useful membership services.

MLBA members know their concerns are heard in the Legislature, the Michigan Liquor Control Commission and many other legislative bodies. They also take advantage of outstanding health and business insurance programs, as well as comprehensive owner, manager and employee server training programs - recognized as some of the best in the nation.

Did you know...

Legal Age For Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages: A person shall not sell or give any alcoholic beverage to any person who has not reached the age of 21. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE is defined as "any spirituous, vinous, malt or fermented liquor, liquids and compounds, whether or not mediated, proprietary, patented, and by whatever name called, containing 1/2 of 1% or more of alcohol by volume which are for use for beverage purposes." NON-ALCOHOLIC beverages ("near beer") that contain 1/2 of 1% or less alcohol by volume are not included in this definition.

Fines and Penalties: The maximum fine shall be $300 except for selling to minors or intoxicated persons. That fine is $1,000. A license shall be revoked if on 3 separate occasions within a 24 month period you are found guilty of serving a minor or intoxicated person.

Want to know more? Join MLBA and learn how to protect yourself and run your business profitably.