Michigan Licensed Beverage Association

10/15/2026

2026 Industry Survey Results

One of the most important things we can do as an association is listen to our members, and our recent MLBA Member Business Survey gave us a very clear picture of what many operators are experiencing right now. We received responses from businesses across Michigan, with most coming from bars and restaurants. While this is a snapshot of our membership rather than a scientific survey of the entire industry, the results were remarkably consistent in showing just how much pressure operators are facing.

When we asked members to compare the financial health of their business with one year ago, 60.9% said their business was either somewhat weaker or much weaker. Only 10.9% said they were stronger, while 28.3% said they were about the same. Those numbers help explain why so many of the conversations we are having with members today revolve around controlling costs, maintaining customer traffic, and protecting already-thin margins.

10/13/2026

2026 MLBA Board Sworn in Last Week

The MLBA recently gathered at the beautiful Inn at Bay Harbor for our latest round of Board meetings. Bringing our leadership together in one place gave us the opportunity to have productive conversations about the association, the hospitality industry, and the priorities that will guide our work in the months ahead.

Officers:
President: Rick Swindlehurst
Executive Vice President: Marty Dunleavy
Vice President: Harold Campau
Secretary: Thomas Wood
Treasurer: Thomas Jones
Past President: Rick Roberson

District Representatives:
District 2: Charles Wiltse
District 3: Mike Huckleberry
District 4: Mary Mendyk
District 5: Ron Warner
District 6: George Zrinyi

At Large Representatives:
Marji Cheadle
Diane Schindlbeck
Chuck Cascarilla
Apollo Braganini
Jeff Kemske

10/08/2026

Welcome New MLBA Members:

Bottom Creek Brewing
Franks Cafe
Trenary Tavern
Washington Irish Pub

10/08/2026

**Please pre-register for all TAM classes**

Upcoming Michigan TAM class:

10/11/26 6 PM Reno’s North: 16460 S. Old US 27, Lansing, 48906

To register or to set up your own class, please contact Patty at [email protected] or 517-374-9611

10/06/2026

The October meeting for the Bay Saginaw Tuscola Licensed Beverage Association will be:

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Time: 3:00pm

White's Bar
2609 State St
Saginaw, MI 48602

-Update from the MLBA Fall Conference
-Update of the Industry
-Rider availability program for our Patrons (Saginaw - possibly areas around the State)
-Your Concerns & Challenges

10/06/2026

Our 2nd Annual Links + Legends northern Michigan MLBA PAC Golf Outing was a success! Thank you to all our sponsors and golfers!

09/29/2026

New U.S. Restrictions on Canadian Alcohol Imports Take Effect Sept. 29

Beginning September 29, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. ET, the United States will prohibit the importation of specified Canadian alcoholic beverages. For Michigan bars, restaurants, and retailers, however, the most important takeaway is this: the new federal action does not require licensees to remove Canadian products that are already lawfully in U.S. inventory.

Beginning September 29, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. ET, the United States will prohibit the importation of specified Canadian alcoholic beverages. For Michigan bars, restaurants, and retailers, however, the most important takeaway is this: the new federal action does not require licensees to remove Canadian...

09/24/2026

A major milestone for to***co harm reduction: The Congressional To***co Harm Reduction Caucus reached 50 members, including Michigan's Rep. Jack Bergman and Rep. Tom Barrett!

Momentum is building for policies that can make a meaningful difference for adults who smoke.

09/23/2026

Swearing in the MLBA Officers and Executive Board

09/22/2026

What is the MLBA Board up to today? MLBA meetings, DISCUS and MLCC updates, and a drink at MLBA Member Perry Hotel Noggin Room. Cheers! 🍻