GREAT POINTE WOODS, Mich. (WXYZ) – The Woods Wholesale wine in Grosse Pointe Woods has been shut down for business after sending beer to a state address.
The second generation owner, William Matouk, said an employee incorrectly complied with the order. They believe it was part of a sting operation by the Liquor Control Commission.
Matouk called the punishment unfair and unfavorable.
“We just do not know why they come down on us so hard because of a minor offense,” Matouk said. “We made a mistake when one of the employees sent it. We will never jeopardize our operations for three bottles of beer.”
He said the sentence forced them to shut down or appeal for seven days, and if they lost the appeal, it would terminate their liquor license. They decided to close on Monday.
It is against the law in Michigan to send beer to a residence in the state. The store has a retail space and online business that is shipped to homes around the world.
“There is one license that covers beer and wine due to lobbying and other things that have happened in the past that can ship your wine,” said Brian O’Keefe, Matouk’s lawyer. “But you can not send beer. It’s a trap. ‘
In 2015, Woods Wholesale Wine was closed for the illegal shipment of alcohol.
7 Action News reached out to Michigan Liquor Control Commission and they declined to comment.