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WineMichigan News Release
Thousands of MI Retailers Cited for Selling Alcohol to Minors Over Years -- Not One MI Winery Cited for Shipping Wine to Minor in 30 Years
Thursday, July 28, 2005

In response to an announcement this morning by Sheriff Gene Wriggelsworth and State Rep. Rick Jones that they allowed a minor to illegally purchase liquor over the Internet from several out-of-state liquor companies, Wine Michigan, which represents Michigan's 42 wineries and 100 vineyard growers, issued the following statement:

"In over 30 years, not one Michigan winery has been cited for selling wine to a minor while hundreds of retail establishments in every corner of the state are cited every day for selling liquor to minors," said John Truscott, spokesperson for Wine Michigan. "If the goal of this legislation is truly to keep alcohol out of the hands of minors, state lawmakers should be instead calling on law enforcement to put their time and resources into training and educating Michigan retailers, not going after Michigan wineries."

» Read the rest of the news release

WineMichigan restates it's position on consumer direct shipping of wine

Michigan wineries have shipped wine to Michigan consumers for many years without any problems of underage access. WineMichigan supported the extension of direct shipping from wineries outside the state to Michigan consumers provided those wineries followed the same rules and procedures successfully followed by Michigan wineries. The Michigan Legislature has put a controllable, accountable and responsible permit system in place for out of state wineries that provides for consumers access while protecting against underage access.

If there are problems with any producers or retailers not following the same procedures as wineries allowing underage consumers to access wines, spirits and beer they must be dealt with. WineMichigan believes that the best solution is to devise a controllable, accountable and responsible permit system to remove any excuses or incentives for such shipments. This was achievable for wineries and consumers, as they wanted the privilege of direct shipment and they were willing to comply with state regulations. If others are unwilling to comply or it is not possible for the state to regulate such shipments they should be prohibited. We continue to have zero tolerance on underage access.

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