MLCC Extends Implementation Date for Mandatory Online Spirit Ordering System

At the MLCC Business Meeting held on October 5, 2010, Chairperson Nida Samona indicated the MLCC has reconsidered its proposed January 1, 2011 implementation date for mandatory on-line ordering.  Chairperson Samona stated that several licensees attending the MLCC's Town Hall meeting in Escanaba on September 27th expressed concerns with the original date.  One problem is that suppliers and technicians needed to install the necessary equipment may be difficult to schedule during the holiday season as January 1 approaches.  The second problem associated with the January 1 start date is that time of year is generally very busy for licensees.

Chairperson Samona also noted that many licensees, particularly in rural areas or the Upper Peninsula, may not have internet access readily available to them.  As a result of those discussions, the MLCC has decided to move the required implementation back to March 1, 2011.  The MLCC may also consider granting additional time beyond March 1 for licensees who have not ordered more than $10,000 worth of spirits in the last year, if the licensee can also demonstrate that on-line ordering will cause hardship to the business.

We have heard from many of our clients on the problems this mandatory on-line ordering may cause them.  We applaud the MLCC for listening to licensees at the Town Hall meeting and throughout this process.  As the internet becomes more reliable and widely available, mandatory on-line ordering is clearly the proper direction to take, but the MLCC should be congratulated for recognizing that January 1, 2011 is simply too soon to implement such a widespread change.