In a story posted by mlive.com today (Top 5 places for liquor sales in each Michigan county), Liquor sales across Michigan reached $1.9 billion in 2022, with more than 11,000 businesses purchasing liquor from the state. Total Wine in Novi led the pack with nearly $11.5 million in purchases. The Michigan Liquor Control Commission recently released data for the year, which showed a decrease of about $50 million compared to 2021. Liquor sales in the Thumb show Huron at the top.

Huron Tops the Chart in the Thumb

Liquor sales varied in Tuscola, Sanilac, and Huron counties, with Huron County generating the highest sales of the three. Huron County’s total liquor sales reached $4.9 million, ranking 48th out of 83 counties, with liquor sales per resident at $156.04. Dufty’s Blue Water Inn in Caseville topped on-premise business sales with $61,675, while Meijer in Bad Axe led off-premises sales with $710,889.

Sanilac

Sanilac County saw total liquor sales of $3.96 million, ranking 53rd out of 83 counties. Liquor sales per resident were significantly lower than Huron County at $97.44. The Windjammer in Lexington had the highest on-premise business sales, totaling $93,782, while Wal-Mart in Sandusky took the lead for off-premises sales with $348,360.

Tuscola

Tuscola County ranked 54th in total liquor sales, which amounted to $3.93 million. However, it had the lowest liquor sales per resident among all 83 counties, with a figure of $73.74. Buckwild Saloon in Fostoria led on-premise business sales at $38,799, while Wal-Mart in Caro topped off-premises sales at $424,006.

The data also revealed that Michigan’s on-premise liquor sales rebounded in 2022, surpassing pre-pandemic numbers. Off-premise liquor sales, primarily at liquor stores, continued to make up the majority of sales in the state.