Michigan Mobile Bartending Laws

YES. In Michigan, the distinction is about control, not size. A “Private Event” must be “by invitation only” and closed to the general public. A company holiday party with 500 badged employees is private; a public festival with 50 people is public. [Ref] Private Event Criteria:
“By Invitation Only… The event must be closed to the general public.”
Source: MLCC Private Event Guidelines

Control State Integrity. Buying alcohol and getting reimbursed makes you an unlicensed wholesaler/retailer. Michigan classifies unlicensed sales as a FELONY, not just a misdemeanor. [Ref] Felony Classification:
“If a Dry Hire operator purchases alcohol… they have acted as an unlicensed wholesaler… committing a felony.”
Source: MI Liquor Control Code

YES. You can act as a consultant. You can meet them at the store, recommend quantities, and load their cart. But THEY must pay, receive the receipt, and take possession. You are advising, not transacting.

YES for Dry Hire. The “dry” designation prohibits sales. If the host provides the alcohol (Private Event Exemption), no sale occurs, so it is compliant. However, a Wet Hire operator (Catering Permit) CANNOT serve spirits in a dry township because their service constitutes a sale. [Ref] Local Option:
“A Catering Permit authorizes a sale… a Wet Hire operator cannot legally cater a private event involving spirits in a dry township.”
Source: MLCC Local Option Rules

YES. Tips are for your service/skill, not for selling alcohol. A clearly marked tip jar (“Gratuities for Bartending Service”) is fine. Avoid labeling it in a way that implies payment for the drink itself (e.g., “Donations”). [Ref] No Indirect Charges:
“There can be no… ‘Tip Jars’ that function as payment for alcohol access.”
Source: Private Event Rules

You must ALREADY hold: (1) An active retail liquor license (Class C, Tavern, SDD, SDM) at a brick-and-mortar location, and (2) A Food Service Establishment License. Only then can you apply for the Catering Permit ($100/year). [Ref] Prerequisites:
“Applicant must hold a specific type of retailer license and a Food Service Establishment License.”
Source: MCL 436.1547

STFUs (trailers) face ADDITIONAL rules: (1) 4-day advance notice to the local health department before serving in a new jurisdiction, (2) must have an approved commissary, (3) strict plan review required before operation. Regular restaurants do not need to notify the health department every time they serve. [Ref] Notice of Intent:
“An STFU operator must submit a ‘Notice of Intent to Operate’ form… at least 4 business days prior to the event.”
Source: MDARD STFU Guidelines

Use PORTABLE BAR EQUIPMENT inside the venue. Portable bars are generally classified as “service equipment” (like tables), not food establishments. Use pre-bagged ice and pre-cut garnishes (or prepare them in a licensed kitchen) to avoid the “food preparation” trigger that traps trailers.

Mandatory for “any employee that will deliver and serve at a private event” under a Catering Permit. This includes 17-year-old employees, who must also be supervised by trained 18+ staff. [Ref] Mandatory Training:
“Any employee of a licensee with a Catering Permit that will deliver and serve alcoholic beverages… must successfully complete a Commission-approved server training program.”
Source: MLCC Server Training Rules

ABSOLUTELY. For Wet Hire (Catering Permit), Liquor Liability Insurance is statutorily required. For Dry Hire, General Liability and Bartender Liability are essential because Michigan has “dram shop” laws—you can be sued for negligence if a guest you served causes an accident. [Ref] Proof of Financial Responsibility:
“All retail licensees, including Catering Permit holders, must maintain Liquor Liability Insurance (Form LC-95).”
Source: MCL 436.1803

NO. Insurance policies typically exclude coverage for criminal or illegal acts. If you are caught illegally reselling alcohol (a felony) or operating without proper licenses, your insurance carrier will likely deny the claim, leaving you personally liable.