Adopted October 13, 2020
Introduction
The purpose of the Michigan Brewers Guild (MBG) is to promote and protect the Michigan beer industry. To effectively advance our mission, MBG expects members and their representatives to set an example by acting with honesty and integrity, conducting themselves professionally, and treating everyone with fairness, dignity and respect. MBG further expects members and their representatives to recognize that a member’s misconduct can damage the reputation of the Guild and our industry and compromise the integrity of the Guild. Therefore, every member of the Guild should be familiar with this code and abide by its provisions. These expectations extend beyond members to include individual officers, directors, partners, employees, and other representatives of a member company as well as individuals serving on MBG committees who are not associated with a member company.
Compliance with Law
Brewing is a heavily regulated industry and MBG members should make reasonable efforts to understand and comply with all applicable federal, state and local legal requirements. Members should not willfully violate or disregard the requirements of the law and a pattern of repeated violation may demonstrate willfulness.
- Professional Conduct
The reputation of the brewing industry in Michigan is positive and we play a role in maintaining and enhancing that reputation. To support the reputation of our industry the Michigan Brewers Guild will:
- Conduct itself ethically and professionally at all times.
- Be transparent, open and honest and expect the same from all of our members.
- Represent all of our members fairly and without bias.
- Make decisions based on what is best for the whole of the organization.
- Respect the confidentiality of sensitive information about members businesses and expect the same from our members.
- Neither engage in nor condone anti-competitive activity. (per Anti-Trust Policy)
- Encourage and foster the spirit of cooperation and community within our industry.
Respect for Others
The Michigan Brewers Guild is opposed to discrimination and abusive, offensive or harassing behavior and we believe that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect. MBG members are expected to:
- Treat all individuals and groups respectfully, recognizing their human dignity, regardless of their diverse human characteristics: race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, physical or mental disability, size or appearance, genetic pre-disposition, religion, ancestry, national origin, or veteran status.
- Contribute to a positive environment that is free of offensive behavior, harassment and unwelcome or inappropriate verbal or physical conduct.
- Speak out when the actions of others violate the rights of any groups or individuals without fear of retaliation.
- Respect the opinions of others and address conflicts in a positive and constructive manner.
- Respect the privacy and property of others in their personal and professional lives.
Responsible Alcohol Consumption
As brewers and participants in the beer community, members may share and enjoy alcohol beverages at MBG events. We believe in consuming alcoholic beverages responsibly and expect our members to abide lawfully in the process of purchasing, sharing or consuming alcoholic beverages in association with MBG events. Should a member of our community over consume alcohol and behave or function inappropriately or illegally we expect our members to make reasonable efforts to keep others from breaking any laws and from harming themselves or anyone else.
Responsible Alcohol Marketing
The Michigan Brewers Guild encourages the safe consumption of alcoholic beverages and will refrain from sales and marketing practices that encourage unsafe or unethical consumption of alcoholic beverages including consumption of alcohol by persons under the legal drinking age. We expect the same from our members. Appropriate guidelines for marketing and advertising include: