GROSSE POINTE WOODS, Mich. (WXYZ) – The Woods Wholesale Wine in Grosse Pointe Woods has closed for shipping beer to an in-state address.
The second-generation owner, William Matouk, said an employee incorrectly fulfilled the order. They believe this was part of a Liquor Control Commission stabbing operation.
Matouk called the punishment unfair and blatant.
“We just don’t know why they are so hard on us for a minor offense,” said Matouk. “We made a mistake when one of the employees sent it. We would never endanger our three-bottle beer business.”
He said the punishment forced them to stand still or appeal for seven days and if they lost the appeal it would end their liquor license. They decided to close on Monday.
It is by law in Michigan to ship beer to any home in the state. The store has a retail location and online operation that ships to homes around the world.
“There is one permit that covers beer and wine because of lobbying and other things that have happened in the past. You can ship wine,” said Matouk’s attorney Brian O’Keefe. ‘But you can’t ship beer. That’s a trap. ‘
In 2015, Woods Wholesale Wine was closed due to the illegal shipment of alcohol.
7 Action News contacted the Michigan Liquor Control Commission and they declined to comment.