Christopher P. Baker

Licensed Beverage Control and Real Estate Attorney

Chris is a member of the firm’s Real Estate Practice Team. He has significant experience representing retail license holders, including resorts, hotels, restaurants and retail developers. Chris also works with licensed suppliers, including brewers, distillers and wineries in all areas of alcoholic beverage regulatory matters, including licensing, enforcement and trade practice issues. He is well versed with the wholesale, distributor and importer provisions of the Michigan Liquor Control Code and regularly represents clients before the Michigan Liquor Control Commission in enforcement actions.

Chris routinely represents and counsels developers and property owners in all aspects of commercial real estate transactions, including acquisitions, sales, like-kind exchanges and leases. His work includes land use such as site plan review and zoning.

Experience

Represented Entente Spirits (Round Barn Winery, Free Run Cellars and Round Barn Public House) in acquisition of Tabor Hill Winery, including 25 acres of vineyards, a restaurant and three retail locations. Drafted purchase agreement and coordinated filings with Liquor Control Commission.

Obtained first brew pub permit issued by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau for a Michigan community college’s craft brewery program.

Represented a Michigan licensed brewer with state and local permits required for a supplemental taproom with brewery operations.

National coordinator for multistate licenses and permits for a western United States distillery applicant.

Successful development and creation of a multi-unit condominium project within a B-Hotel resort licensed hotel in Michigan, with approval from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.

Represented multiple location retailers with statewide off-premises and secondary permits for gas pump operations.

Handled the permitting and related land development planning for MiSpringboard clientele, including zoning approval and the required federal, state and local license requirements.

Professional Affiliations

Academy of Hospitality Industry Attorneys

American Mead Makers Association

Global Alliance of Hospitality Attorneys

Michigan Brewers Guild

National Licensed Beverage Association

State Bar of Michigan: Business Section, Alcoholic Beverage and Hospitality subcommittee, past chair

State Bar of Michigan: Real Property Section, Real Estate Ownership and Investment Entities, Mortgages and Related Security Devices subcommittees

Presentations

Panelist, West Michigan Brewers Discuss Changing Craft Beer Industry, MiBiz April 29, 2019