Michigan Alcohol Related Laws and Regulations

Where to Buy Alcohol
Although beer and wine are available in privately owned retail stores, spirits are only available in state-owned stores, otherwise known as ABC or package stores. Alcoholic beverages aren’t allowed to be sold before noon on Sunday or from 2 a.m. to 7 a.m. on Monday through Saturday.

Legal Age for Drinking/Serving Alcohol
In Michigan, the legal drinking age is 21, but at 18, an individual can legally work as a server in a restaurant that sells alcohol or as a bartender. 18 is also the legal age to handle or sell wine and spirits in a package store.

Open Container Laws
It is against the law for anyone in a vehicle to consume alcohol, so previously opened containers of alcohol must be transported in the trunk of a vehicle where the driver and passengers will not have access.

BAC Limits
The highest legal BAC (blood-alcohol content) that is allowed by law is .08 percent. If the BAC is over this level, a driver is considered ‘per se intoxicated’ and may be charged with DUI (driving under the influence) based on this evidence alone.

‘Zero tolerance laws,’ which do not allow the underage driver to have a BAC over .02 percent, discourage drivers under the age of 21 from drinking and driving. DUI penalties will face anyone who engages in drinking and driving.

Michigan also has ‘enhanced penalty BAC’ laws, which are harsher penalties for drivers who significantly exceed the legal limit of .08 percent. This is known as the "Michigan super drunk law."

Penalties
Drivers who are suspected of driving under the influence (DUI) are expected to cooperate with a law enforcement officer when they request chemical testing, which consists of breath, blood, or urine, for intoxication through the ‘implied consent laws.’ If the driver refuses to cooperate, they face the possible suspension of driving privileges for six months for the first conviction and one year for the second offense.

With a second DUI conviction, vehicle confiscation is a possible in Michigan. A second conviction can also acquire a driver mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device at their expense. Another requirement for DUI offenders can be alcohol abuse education, treatment, or assessment.

Some DUI offenses can be considered felonies under Michigan law.