MLCC on Track for Improved Licensing Process New Changes on the Licensing Process to begin April 1, 2012

Contact: Andrea Miller (517) 322-5898

Agency: Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

MARCH 29, 2011 - Effective April 1, 2012, significant reforms will take effect designed to simplify, streamline and shorten the license application process.

The Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) will be changing the licensing process by having all license applicants go directly to their local unit of government or local law enforcement agency for approvals where they are required by law. Currently, applicants apply to the MLCC and then wait for the MLCC to submit the necessary approval forms to the local governmental unit and local police agency. This change puts the applicant in charge of the process, and cuts out the "middle man."

Applicants may go directly to their local unit of government for the required approvals as well as apply to the MLCC at the same time if they so choose. However, applicants that apply to the MLCC having all their completed forms - including required local approvals - will be ready for immediate processing and faster review by the Commission.

One of the big benefits to the change, in addition to giving the applicant more control, is the simplification and reduction of forms. There will be three simplified forms that must first be filled out completely prior to the application process starting:

- Application for New Licenses, Permits, or Transfer of Ownership or Interest in License;
- Local Government Approval Form;
- Police Investigation Recommendation Form.

All three forms can be found on the MLCC website's home page, under the "News & Updates" section at www.michigan.gov/lcc

"This change is part of our ongoing efforts to modernize, streamline and simplify the license application process," said Andy Deloney, Chairman of the MLCC. "Shortening waiting times, simplifying and reducing forms, removing burdens and hurdles, and giving applicants more control and certainty during the application process are the things we are focused on."

As part of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) "customer driven, business minded" philosophy, the MLCC and its licensing staff team participated in a licensing improvement process to help make the licensing process simple, fair and efficient for all applicants.

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