(LANSING) -- The Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) announced today that licensees who meet certain criteria could be on the fast track for transferring a license in less than 30 days.

“Background investigations and financial details have been significantly reduced for those licensees who have already established a responsible operating record as a license holder,” LCC Chairman Dan Gustafson said.  

The process will begin with an initial application, which is available on the MLCC web site or by calling the MLCC at 517-322-1400.  A Commission Investigator will contact the applicant to discuss the materials needed for licensure, and a brief investigation will take place.  It will be the applicant’s responsibility to take the local police forms provided at the interview with the Investigator and obtain the necessary approvals. LCC also offers FAX services (517-322-6137) to speed up the transfer of documents.

The MLCC Licensing team recently established a specific email box for Fast Track licensing questions: mlcc.ftadmin@cis.state.mi.us.  Gustafson said, “This mailbox will enable licensees in the Fast Track process to communicate quickly and easily with the MLCC Licensing Division assigned to work on this new feature.” 

Michigan Consumer & Industry Services (CIS) Director Kathy Wilbur said LCC’s Fast Track service fits well within the department’s objective of streamlining the process of obtaining occupational and business licenses. Wilbur said, “I applaud the LCC team for using cutting edge technology to make services more efficient and cost-effective for their customers. We are always looking for new and creative ways to cut red tape to make it easier to do business in Michigan.”

In order to be considered for a Fast Track Licensing Application, licensees must meet the following criteria:

1.       You must be a current SDD/SDM licensee who wishes to purchase a currently licensed SDD/SDM operating business at another location.  You must apply at the new location using the same legal entity licensed at your present location.

2.       The funds you will use to purchase your new business must be acquired from approved lending sources or from your personal accounts and/or currently licensed business account.

3.       Forfeitures or foreclosures for SDD/SDM locations previously owned will also be allowed under this procedure.

4.       The Applicant (Purchaser) cannot have a pending violation or a violation within the previous 12 months.

5.       Since last licensed no individual involved can have a criminal conviction, a pending criminal charge, have obtained law enforcement powers, or obtained an interest in a wholesale liquor license.

Gustafson added, “This is the initial phase of Fast Track Licensing.  It is our intent to expand this service to bring additional types of applications under this system in the future.”

The Liquor Control Commission is an agency within the Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services.

Read more Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services press releases.