You’ve probably been there. It’s Sunday morning. You’re planning a brunch, or maybe you just realized the cooler is looking depressingly empty before the big game starts. You head to the store, grab a pack of something, and the cashier gives you that look. The "I can't sell this yet" look.
But wait—didn't the law change?
The short answer to what time can you buy liquor in Michigan on Sunday is 7 a.m. But honestly, it’s not always that simple. Michigan’s liquor laws are a weird, lingering patchwork of old "blue laws" and modern updates that can leave you standing awkwardly at the checkout counter while the clock ticks toward noon.
The 7 a.m. Rule (And Why It Might Not Work For You)
Technically, since 2010, Michigan state law allows for the sale of spirits, mixed drinks, beer, and wine starting at 7 a.m. on Sundays. This was a massive shift from the old days when you couldn't buy a drop until the afternoon.
However, there is a catch. Or a couple of catches.
First off, a retailer—whether it's a grocery store, a gas station, or a bar—has to actually want to sell it then. To sell alcohol between 7 a.m. and noon on Sundays, the business must purchase a special Sunday Morning Sales Permit from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC). It costs $160 a year.
Most big chains like Meijer or Kroger usually have this permit. But that small mom-and-pop party store around the corner? They might not have bothered with the paperwork or the fee. If they don't have that specific permit tacked onto their license, they legally cannot sell to you until 12 p.m.
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Local "Opt-Out" Power
Michigan is big on local control. Even though the state says 7 a.m. is okay, individual counties and municipalities can basically say, "Nah, not here."
Most of Michigan has moved into the 21st century regarding Sunday sales, but a few spots still cling to the old noon start time or even stricter bans. It’s rare now, but it happens. If you find yourself in a more conservative township or a tiny village, don’t be surprised if the 12 p.m. rule is still the law of the land.
- Standard hours: 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. (Monday – Sunday)
- The Sunday Morning Permit: Required for sales between 7 a.m. and 12 p.m.
- Local Ordinances: Can override state permissions and push sales back to noon.
Basically, if the store doesn't have the permit, you're waiting until the clock strikes twelve.
What About Christmas and Holidays?
This is where things get even more "Michigan." Usually, the Sunday rules are pretty consistent, but if that Sunday happens to be Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, everything gets flipped on its head.
You cannot buy any alcohol on Christmas Day until 12 p.m. (noon). This is a hard rule across the state. It doesn't matter if the store has a Sunday morning permit or not. From 11:59 p.m. on Christmas Eve until noon on Christmas Day, the taps are dry and the fridge doors are locked.
New Year's Eve is the opposite. If New Year's Eve falls on a Sunday, things actually loosen up a bit. Bars and restaurants are often allowed to stay open and serve until 4 a.m. on New Year's Day, rather than the usual 2 a.m. cutoff. It’s sort of the state’s way of saying "Happy New Year," I guess.
Myths vs. Reality
People often think that "liquor" (the hard stuff) has different Sunday hours than "beer and wine."
That used to be true. It’s not anymore.
Under the current Michigan Liquor Control Code (specifically Section 436.2113 for the nerds who like to look up statutes), spirits and mixed drinks follow the same 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. window as beer and wine, provided the Sunday morning permit is in place. If you're at a place that serves on-site—like a brunch spot—they can start pouring those Mimosas or Bloody Marys at 7 a.m. too, as long as they paid the state their $160.
Is It Ever Going to Be 24/7?
Probably not. Michigan is a "control state." This means the state government literally acts as the wholesaler for all spirits. They have a vested interest in keeping things regulated.
While the "blue laws" are fading, the 2 a.m. to 7 a.m. "dead zone" is pretty firmly entrenched. There’s been talk over the years about extending hours or letting bars stay open later in places like Detroit or Grand Rapids to boost tourism, but those bills usually stall out in Lansing.
Your Sunday Morning Checklist
If you're planning on buying alcohol this Sunday morning, do yourself a favor:
- Check the shop: If it's a major supermarket, you're likely fine for a 7 a.m. pickup.
- Look for the sign: Most stores that can't sell will have a sign or a lock on the beer cave. If you don't see one, you're probably good.
- Watch the date: If it's December 25th, put the bottle back. You aren't getting it until noon.
- Local Vibes: If you’re in a very rural area, don't be shocked if the "noon" rule is still the local culture, regardless of what the state permit says.
The best way to ensure you aren't disappointed is to just ask the clerk. They've dealt with a thousand people trying to buy a six-pack at 9 a.m. on a Sunday. They know the local rules better than anyone.
To make your Sunday run even smoother, try to stick to larger retailers if you are out before noon, as they almost universally carry the required Sunday Morning Sales Permit. If you are heading to a local bar for a morning game, a quick check of their social media or a phone call can confirm if they start serving at 7 a.m. or if they wait until the traditional lunch hour.