Last week the MLCC passed an order that requires all payments to distributors for the purchase of beer, wine, or mixed spirit drink be made by electronic funds transfer (EFT) payment. The effective date for this Order is March 31, 2023.
As you are aware, the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) issued an Order on January 19, 2023, that requires all payments by retailers to wholesalers for the purchase of beer, wine, or mixed spirit drink be made by electronic funds transfer (EFT) payment. The effective date for this Order is March 31, 2023. This pertains to all licensees.
For your reference you can find the full Order and a communication from MLCC on the following page.
The MLCC stated the primary purpose of the Order is to enhance the safety and security of both our employees and yours while adding efficiency and streamlining the delivery process. The Commission also highlighted that EFT has been required for spirits purchases since November 2021.
Please use this as a guide to walk you through the entire process.
Have a question about Fintech’s distributor autopay process? Contact a Fintech representative at (800) 572-0854. Follow prompts (Press 1, then 3 for distributor autopay) or email ops@fintech.com.
1. Please sign up for EFT as soon as possible as it will take at least three days to prenote (verify) licensee banking information AFTER staff enters the EFT application into the system.
2. The three-day prenote period doesn’t start until the EFT application is entered. If licensees wait until the last minute, it will take longer for staff to enter the abundance of EFT applications.
3. Please ensure that an authorized signer has signed the EFT application or this will delay processing of the EFT application until receipt of an EFT application that has been signed by an authorized signer.
4. Licensees should not call to inquire about the status of their applications. This only delays the staff’s ability to enter the applications. Licensees are requested to first call their bank to see if a prenote was successful before calling GLWAS.
CLARIFICATIONS ON THE ORDER:
This pertains to all licensees.
Exceptions for cash, check, or money order are included for the following:
Sales to special license holders
Accepting payment for a non-sufficient funds EFT transaction
During temporary service interruptions of the thirdparty payment processing company
By written Order of the Commission
For 30 days following the issuance of a license to a retailer
I am already set up for EFT for Spirits, do I have to set up EFT for Wine as well?
Yes. EFT for Spirits is NOT the same for Wine. If you are set up for Spirits you will have to set up an account for Wine.
I am already set up with EFT with another distributor, do I have to sign up with GLWAS as well?
Yes, even if you are set up with another distributor as EFT – you will still have to set up with us through Fintech.
Do all the locations I oversee have to have their own Fintech account?
Yes. Every delivery point needs its own enrollment. You can have up to 5 different locations set up with Fintech, after 5, additional costs may occur with Fintech.
