LANSING, MI – Today, the Michigan House of Representatives unanimously passed State Rep. Pauline Wendzel’s legislation to allow Michigan distillers to enter into alternating proprietorship agreements.

An alternating proprietorship is when two or more alcohol producers share space and equipment to manufacture their products. It’s a proven model that allows small producers to launch and grow without the massive upfront investment that comes with building a full-scale production facility. This is especially important in a capital-intensive industry like spirits.

Currently, Michigan law allows alternating proprietorship agreements for beer and wine, but the law is silent when it comes to spirits. That silence has created confusion despite no actual statutory prohibition.

“The logic is straightforward,” Rep. Wendzel said. “If we support small-scale brewing and winemaking through this tool, we should offer the same opportunity to Michigan’s distillers. I’m happy to see this legislation advance, and I’m excited to help support small businesses get off the ground and bring new, Michigan-based products to market.”

The legislation now advances to the Senate for further consideration.

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