Liquor Licenses

I.  Applications for New Liquor Licenses

In addition to the criteria set forth in Chapter 822 of the code of ordinances, the following are the facilities eligible, and the applicable criteria, for recommendation of approval for new Class C, Tavern, and Class B-Hotel licenses issued by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. As used within the following criteria, “redevelopment area” means a parcel or parcels of property upon which an aging and/or obsolete shopping center will be completely renovated or removed and rebuilt, and/or upon which a mixed use development will be constructed.  Stand-alone facilities within such redevelopment areas will be favored and encouraged over other proposed locations for new liquor licenses within redevelopment areas.

1. Facilities that accommodate large groups of people (seating more than 300 people in banquet style) in banquet rooms and serve as exhibition halls for convention purposes, and which are part of a redevelopment area.
2. Hotel or lodging facilities which also have restaurants, meeting rooms and banquet facilities capable of serving in excess of 200 people in "sit-down" banquet facilities, and which are part of a redevelopment area.
3. “Supper Club" type of operations in which high quality food service is the main source of income.  The establishment must also have the ability to:   (a) provide open public dining, (b) serve small groups in separate meeting rooms, and (c) provide sit-down banquet facilities for groups in excess of 200 people in a single, undivided room.  The food menu must offer no fewer than five different entrees, which are prepared on the premises, and the operation must be part of a redevelopment area.
4. Food service operations which have a gross seating capacity exceeding 75 in any arrangement (meeting rooms, open dining, etc.) with a full menu offering a diverse selection of entrees that are prepared on the premises, and which are part of a redevelopment area.
5. The purpose and intent of these criteria is to facilitate redevelopment of aging areas of the City by encouraging mixed uses and the redevelopment of aging, obsolete shopping centers and similar facilities.  The success of a redevelopment area that can include parcels occupied by obsolete shopping centers or developments of a mixed use nature is dependent in part on the ability to provide dining and entertainment options to patrons.  Nevertheless, facilities which conform to the purpose and intent of these criteria, but which are deficient in meeting the criteria, will be given consideration upon a showing of substantial compliance with the purpose and intent of the criteria.  If the facility is to be allowed, the applicant must present evidence which tends to establish overriding benefits to the citizens of Lincoln Park.  Such determination shall be based upon due consideration of the following elements:

(a) Whether there is a need for the facility at the location proposed.
(b) Whether the facility tends to provide a service, product, or function not presently available to the general public residing in Lincoln Park. 
(c) The uniqueness of the proposed facility when contrasted against existing facilities.
(d) The likelihood that the facility will provide a service capable of being utilized by the majority of people residing in Lincoln Park.
(e) The potential for the facility, with a liquor license, to encourage, support, or facilitate redevelopment of aging areas of the City.

II.  Conditions for New Licenses, Renewals, and Transfer Licenses

Licenses are to be approved only after the following conditions are met or subject to the applicant having met these conditions within a stated period of time.  The conditions require that:

1. Floor plans, seating arrangements, site plans, building elevations, signage plans, future building alterations, and other pertinent physical features for the proposed buildings have been submitted to the City.
2. The applicant's financial capability, prior experience as a liquor licensee, proposed food service menus and other facts or proposals pertinent to the operation of the facility have been submitted to the Lincoln Park City Council. 
3. The applicant has received approval from the Zoning Board of Appeals if applicable, the Planning    Commission ,  site plan approval has been granted , and other approvals as may be required by the City of Lincoln Park. 
4. Building permits must be acquired within (6) months after recommendation is received from  Mayor and Council for a license. 
5. Construction is pursued within eight (8) months after the issuance of a license.  At that time, the progress of the applicant in meeting all of the stated conditions will be reported to the City Council by the City Manager.
6. No floor plan, building elevation, site plan, seating arrangement, kitchen layout, parking layout, fire plan, fact, or document submitted for approval to the Police, Fire, Zoning, or Building Departments, or the 
7. Lincoln Park City Council may be changed in context after approval.  Reasonable improvements in design and or service flow may be required by the City of Lincoln Park.
8. Police Investigation Fee is separate from the application fee; it is payable in advance to the City Treasurer.
9. Applications must be complete prior to submittal to the City Clerk .   Non-refundable application fee shall be established by the Mayor and Council.
10. The failure of the applicant to meet any of the above conditions shall be reason for the City Council to deny approval. 

Council reserves the right to withdraw approval and recommend revocation or non-renewal, affording applicable due process, as a result of any review, including but not limited to an annual review.  Per Municipal Code Chapter 822.

Liquor License Fees