Rep. Bellino bills targeting illegal delivery of beer, wine now law

State Rep. Joe Bellino’s legislation specifying penalties for illegal importation or sales of beer and wine was signed into law July 12 by Gov. Rick Snyder.
The bills become the first new laws sponsored by Bellino during his legislative career, which began in January. He represents the 17th district, which includes Sumpter Township.
The measures increase penalties based on the amount of beer and wine illegally brought into Michigan or sold in the state while allowing individuals to bring home a reasonable amount for personal use.
“This legislation helps provide a clear and understandable framework for enforcing our beer and wine sales laws,” said Bellino, R-Monroe, the owner of a beer, wine and spirits store. “It’s common sense to apply tougher penalties as the amount of beer and wine imported illegally increases. It’s also common sense to protect people who simply bring home a small amount of beer and wine from another state for their own use.”
Only people and businesses licensed by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission can sell, import or deliver alcohol in the state. Generally, previous law penalizes violations with a misdemeanor.
Bellino’s bill would increase penalties as the amount of beer or wine involved increases. The maximum penalty would be a felony punishable by up to four years in prison and a $5,000 fine for violations involving at least 225,000 milliliters – equivalent to about 26 cases of beer or 300 bottles of wine.
Penalties would drop to a civil infraction with a top fine of $500 for violations involving less than 45,000 milliliters – roughly five cases of beer or 60 bottles of wine.
People could bring smaller amounts – roughly a 24-can case of beer or a dozen bottles of wine – into Michigan from other states without prior approval.