Title
Resolution to Revise Previous Approval of Issuance of New Class C Quota Liquor License in the City of Ann Arbor to Chela’s Restaurant and Taqueria
Memo
Following the results of the 2020 decennial census and the return of one Class C license to Ann Arbor, the City had eight new Class C licenses available to issue under Michigan’s Class C quota system in early-2022.
The Liquor License Review Committee designed and implemented a competitive application process for the eight available licenses. At their meeting on May 6, 2022, the Committee reviewed all applications submitted by the deadline, with particular interest in applicants who intend to enhance the community with the uniqueness of their business, diversify the City’s offerings, and illustrate commitment and actions related to the City’s A2Zero initiative.
The Liquor License Review Committee voted to recommend that City Council approve a recommendation to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) for the issuance of new Class C license to eight businesses, “above all others.” (File #: 22-0889) Chela’s Restaurant and Taqueria, LLC, (Chela’s) at 693 S. Maple Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 was included on the list, which was approved for recommendation by City Council on June 6, 2022.
Since that time, Chela’s has applied to the MLCC for a new Class C license. Because Chela’s occupies both 691 and 693 S Maple Rd, the MLCC informed them that an amended local resolution (form LCC-106, Local Government Approval) to reflecting both addresses needs to be submitted before they will continue processing Chela’s request.
Body
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor has previously recommended that Chela’s Restaurant and Taqueria, LLC receive a Class C quota license “above all others;”
Whereas, Chela’s applied to the MLCC for a Class C license in 2023 and is still interested in receiving that license;
Whereas, The MLCC has advised Chela’s that the Local Government Approval form be amended to reflect both addresses, 691 and 693 S. Maple, from which Chela’s operates;
Whereas, Chela’s will be informed that final approval of a license at their designated location is subject to approval by the MLCC and a background investigation and approval by City departments;
Whereas, The Liquor License Review Committee wishes to affirm its prior recommendation to City Council that Chela’s be the recipient of a new Class C quota license;
RESOLVED, That the City Council affirm its recommendation that the MLCC consider the request of Chela’s Restaurant and Taqueria, LLC, at 691-693 S. Maple Rd, Ann Arbor, above all others, and that the application be recommended for issuance of a new full-year Class C quota license; and
RESOVLED, That the City Clerk forward a copy of this resolution to the MLCC.
Sponsored by: Council Liquor License Review Committee