Posts Tagged “Michigan”

• Days of Wine and Roses

  June 10, 2013
  By: Christopher P. Baker

  Under legislation unanimously approved May 7 by the  Michigan Senate, winemakers with annual production of up to 5,000 gallons will be able to sell wine outside the confines of their vineyards. Connoisseurs will be able to try before they buy - vineyards can provide up to three, two-ounce samples per customer.

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• Comment Period Extended For Proposed FSMA Rules

  April 25, 2013
  By: Steve Kluting

  Last week, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development hosted officials from the Food & Drug Administration at a "Listening Session" on the newly proposed rules under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), namely the Preventive Controls for Human Food and the Produce Safety Standards. These proposed rules were published in January 2013 and are currently subject to comment by industry. This "Listening Session," which I attended via webinar, was helpful in many ways, including providing an opportunity to ask questions of and provide informal comments to the FDA officials.

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• Potential Policy Changes To Reduce Inequities Faced by Micro Brewers

  October 18, 2012
  By: Christopher P. Baker

  Today's playground is the Michigan regulatory climate that we all confront daily, and we all know that attempting to transact business in this environment is hardly a game. For those attempting to gain an increase in market share of the overall craft beer sales in Michigan, attempting to transact business under disparate rules and regulations is more than unfair, it is a roadblock that can keep the brewery doors closed, and the vats empty. We all understand the consequences of competitive disadvantage that is created by unequal regulatory restrictions.

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• LCC Adopts Policy Change on Concession Agreements

  September 5, 2012
  By: Christopher P. Baker

  In February 2012, the Liquor Control Commission adopted a change in policy that impacts Class B hotel-licensed operators and applicants, as well as other licensees who provide space within their licensed premises for "concession style operations".

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• Streamlined Liquor Control Code aims to help brewpub licensing process

  August 20, 2012
  By: Christopher P. Baker

  Beer in general and craft beer in particular is highly coveted by the alcohol beverage consumers in Michigan.  What is equally evident is that the thirst of this consumer base commands that the roughly 72 licensed micro brewers and 49 licensed beer pub operators brew, distribute and bring to market more fine porters, ales and pilsner products.  This is where our State of Michigan, and in particular, the Liquor Control Commission is attempting to offer assistance.

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• U.S. Food Safety Regulations & Foreign Operations: International Processors Discuss

  July 30, 2012
  By: Steve Kluting

  Last week, I had the opportunity to teach a session at Michigan State University's Institute for Food Law and Regulation on U.S. Food Safety Regulation. The attendees were eager to learn and discuss how the significant changes under the Food Safety Modernization Act would affect their foreign operations and their ability to sell into the U.S. marketplace.

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