Michigan Special Event Liquor Permit: Cost, Rules & How to Apply
Quick answer
In Michigan, alcohol at a one-off public or fundraising event is covered by the Special License (one-day license), open to nonprofit organizations authorized to do business in Michigan. It costs $25 per day for organizations established one year or more; $50 per day if established less than one year. Sunday sales permits extra. and should be filed at least 10 business days before the event. The limit is 12 a year.
General information from the state's published rules, not legal advice. Confirm with the agency before your event.
Permit at a glance
- Permit name
- Special License (one-day license)
- Official source
- michigan.gov State statute — MCL 436.1535; R 436.1109
- Fee
- $25 per day for organizations established one year or more; $50 per day if established less than one year. Sunday sales permits extra.
- Apply at least
- 10 business days before
- Annual limit
- 12 a year
- Nonprofits only
- Yes
- Law
- MCL 436.1535; R 436.1109
- Last verified
- Oct 8, 2026
Who it covers
Who can apply in Michigan.
Who can apply: Nonprofit organizations authorized to do business in Michigan
Each license is good for one day; one application can cover several dates at the same location. Applicants must be at least 21. Lead time is 10 business days.
- Server training
- Bartenders at a Special License event do not need server training certification, but servers must be from the organization.
- Donated alcohol
- The organization cannot accept donated alcohol for consumption at the event.
How to apply
6 steps, in order.
- Have the membership or board pass a resolution authorizing the application.
- Prepare a detailed diagram of the event area showing service areas, dimensions and containment barriers.
- Get local law enforcement to review the diagram and sign Part 5 of form LCC-110.
- If within 500 feet of a church or school, get its consent (Part 6).
- If the location already holds a liquor license, have that licensee escrow its license or drop the space (Part 7).
- Submit the completed LCC-110 with payment at least 10 business days before the event.
Neighbors
How Michigan compares.
| State | Fee | Lead time | Nonprofit only |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | $25 per day for organizations established one year or more; $50 per day if established less than one year. Sunday sales permits extra. | 10 business days | Yes |
| Ohio | $150 ($160 if filed jointly with a D permit holder) | 30 days | Yes |
| Wisconsin | Set by the municipality, up to $10 per license. No fee for the temporary wine license if a temporary beer license is applied for at the same time for the same event. | — | Yes |
Nationally
Where Michigan ranks.
Michigan asks for 10 business days of notice. Of the 24 states that publish a deadline, 9 require more notice and 8 require less (business days counted as calendar weeks).
Across the border
What changes next door.
Also needed in Michigan
Training and liability.
Server training
Mandatory in Michigan. Applies to: managers, servers/sellers (On-Premises establishments; New licensees). APIS data as of 1/1/2025. Voluntary program with incentives: liability defense, insurance discounts. APIS minimum ages (on-premises): serve beer/wine/spirits 17/17/17, bartend 17/17/17, manager or supervisor must be present for underage servers. Cross-checked with state source.
FAQ
Questions people ask.
How far in advance do I apply in Michigan?
At least 10 business days before the event, according to michigan.gov. Apply earlier if local approvals are needed.
Can an individual or business get one in Michigan?
No. This permit is for nonprofit organizations authorized to do business in Michigan. If you are a private host, ask whether your caterer or venue holds a license that covers the event, and confirm with the agency.
Is there a yearly limit on event permits in Michigan?
Yes: 12 a year for the main permit type.
Next steps
Related.
Sources
- Michigan — Special License (one-day license) · State statute — MCL 436.1535; R 436.1109, checked Oct 8, 2026
- Michigan — server training · State statute — Mich. Comp. Laws § 436.1815; Mich. Comp. Laws § 436.1906; Mich. Comp. Laws § 500.2405; MCL 436.1501(1), checked Dec 4, 2025
General information, not legal advice.