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Return of Spirits Inventory

Return of Spirits Inventory

How to Apply for the Return of Spirits Inventory When You Place Your License Into Escrow

Step 1:

Submit a written request to the Commission (email, fax, or letter) from an authorized stockholder/member of the licensee which answers all the following questions:

  • What is being requested: applying for a return of spirits inventory.
  • Name of licensee: corporation or limited liability company name
  • Location address of the licensed business
  • Contact person name with email and phone number
  • Alternate mailing address for the refund check

Written requests may be emailed to martink28@michigan.gov, faxed to 517-763-0052, or mailed to Michigan Liquor Control Commission, P.O. Box 30005, Lansing, MI 48909.

Step 2

Your liquor license(s) must be placed into escrow using the  Request to Place License in Escrow (LCC-108) form.

  • The license(s) must remain in escrow in order to effectuate the Return. If you are selling your license, the return of inventory must be completed before the licenses are transferred – once a license becomes inactive, no refund can be issued.
  • Should the Commission approve the return, and the license has been placed into escrow, we will send you the return forms that the ADAs will need to report what is being returned.
  • If the license has not been placed into escrow at the time of the return of inventory approval by the Commission, we will hold the return forms and not notify the ADAs of the approved return until the license is received for escrow.

Upon receipt of the above listed information, the request will go before the Commission for a decision.  

Step 3

After receiving Commission approval and the Return of Inventory form, you will need to contact each Authorized Distribution Agent (ADA) separately to schedule a pick-up time for the inventory and complete the Return of Inventory Forms. The ADAs will then provide the MLCC Financial Management Division with the appropriate forms at which time the refund amount will be calculated – which is the accepted return of spirits inventory less 10%. The check will be mailed from the Department of Treasury to the alternate mailing address provided in the written request (step 1).

The general time frame for the return of spirits inventory is roughly 6-8 weeks (return time frame may vary). **Refund checks are issued in the licensee name (LLC/corporation name) – be sure to maintain appropriate bank accounts necessary to deposit the funds.**

Beer, Wine, or Mixed Spirit Drink Inventory

If you have beer, wine, or mixed spirit drink inventory that needs to be returned, you will need to contact the wholesalers from which you purchased those products regarding the return. The MLCC does not handle beer, wine, or mixed spirit drink inventory returns and those returns are at the discretion of the wholesalers.  Any remaining inventory items not returned may be taken home for personal use or destroyed.