MSA_Pure_Spirits_2019_Q2 - 17

OMMISSIONER OLSHOVE'S appointment to the Liquor Control Commission in 2012 continues a long
history of public service. Recently he was reappointed for another four-year term by Governor Snyder.
As a former state senator, state representative and Macomb County commissioner, he enjoys getting to
know people and discussing issues.

What consumption changes or trends have
you noticed?
Growing up on the east side of Detroit, consuming
alcohol was a shot or a beer, such as Old Grand Dad or
Stroh's, served at the local corner bar: Pat Sullivan's at
Six Mile and Hoover next to Bradford Party Store. The
preferred cocktail by many was the Boilermaker, and
"craft" alcohol wasn't part of the vocabulary. The marketplace for the consumption and purchase of alcohol
has changed so much! As the old Detroit Tiger broadcaster would say when a home run was hit in Tiger Stadium, the ball was "long gone." Sales of alcoholic beverages in Michigan and elsewhere are up, particularly
spirits purchases. Consumer interest is diverse.
Does Michigan offer consumer choices, especially for new products?
Consumers in Michigan have a lot of choices, unlike some other states. Currently the Michigan Liquor
Control Commission lists almost 10,000 SKUs [retail
numbers representing distinctive products] as options for retailers to carry in their stores or serve to
customers. If a manufacturer wants to make a product available to consumers in Michigan, the company submits its request online. Most products receive
Commission approval for listing, providing a wide
range of choices to consumers, as well as access to the
newest products on the market.
Consumers in Michigan currently have over
8,000 options to enjoy social interaction with friends
and neighbors at on-premise establishments selling
spirits, and almost 5,000 options to purchase spirits at off-premise store locations. Additionally, 120
small distillers are licensed to sell spirits they manufacture. Under a new law, these small distillers can
now have tasting rooms at other locations, similar to
winemakers.

Many opportunities exist to try new products. Millennials particularly seem to be driving an increase
in product sales, especially spirits. The demand for
new methods of marketing has changed, also requiring a new look at the Prohibition-era laws.
How do Commission regulations benefit
business and consumers?
Buying from a licensee provides consumers with
confidence that the business is properly licensed and
has been determined to meet the qualifications for
the sale of alcoholic beverage products. Additionally,
approval of licenses and regulation of these businesses assist in ensuring the health, safety and welfare of
consumers in Michigan. The continued streamlining
of rules, and well as internal process and procedure,
will benefit everyone involved in the licensing and
sale of alcoholic beverages in Michigan.
How is being a commissioner different from
elected positions?
As a legislator, votes are placed based upon representing the interests in your district. Any new legislation has a direct impact on regulation. As a regulator
now, I did not previously appreciate all the details
going into the regulatory side of alcohol laws. The
large staff at the Commission delivers a high level of
customer service, and I appreciate all of their contributions to the process.
Do licensees contribute to tourism is Michigan?
The spirits industry has contributed greatly to
the rebirth of Detroit and the increase of tourism in
Michigan. Many of these businesses are destinations,
not only for products but for the neighborhood camaraderie and local cultural offerings.

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MSA_Pure_Spirits_2019_Q2

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