21^st Amendment Society Introduces Liquor Licensing to MSU Law Students

By Jake Jenkins

April 7, 2023

Attorney Michael Brown answering multiple questions from MSU Law students about liquor licensing laws in Michigan

The 21^st Amendment Society invited attorney Michael Brown Wednesday to discuss liquor licensing in the state of Michigan and how this area of law, while it can be complex, is also a great opportunity for students to think about after graduation.

Brown’s practice focuses on state regulatory and administrative law, with strong emphasis on Michigan liquor licensing and violation issues. He represents bars, restaurants, hotels, sports venues, and other liquor-license holders before the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. He conducts liquor violation hearings throughout the State of Michigan.

He also served for many years as the general counsel to the Michigan Licensed Beverage Association, while also providing counsel to several other Michigan-based trade associations on a variety of legal and regulatory matters.

“The vast majority of people who own liquor license are small business owners and families,” said Brown. “A big part of my job is helping someone open a restaurant, bar, or store. Best part of my job is helping those people realize their dream.”

The 21^st Amendment of the U.S. Constitution repealed the 18^th Amendment, which had mandated nationwide prohibition on alcohol.

21^st Amendment Society members : Julia Moran, Brooke Hochstein, Gabriella Mayers, and Kate Harvey pictured with Michael Brown

At MSU Law, the 21^st Amendment Society aims to explore the legal area surrounding the production and distribution of alcoholic beverages and the implications of trademark, property, environmental, and regulatory legal issues in the industry.

“We are a new organization and Mr. Brown is our first guest speaker,” said society president Brooke Hochstein. “We did research to find someone who knew about alcohol licensing and regulations in the state, and we came across his firm and after a conversation, we knew he would be a perfect fit for our organization.”

Hochstein also explained why the organization was established and for its need in the law college.

“We started this society because we saw there was nothing like it in the college,” she said. “We have cannabis law but not alcohol. And we thought there was so much to be learned that students didn’t know about and there are not a lot of classes being offered about alcohol law.”