Title
Resolution to Approve Outdoor Sales, Service and Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Memorandum
The attached resolution will provide City Council approval for Ann Arbor on-premise liquor license holders to sell on city owned property adjacent to their premises including city streets if they have authorization from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC). In response to the reopening issues, the MLCC has created a new application form for "Limited Permanent Outdoor Service Area Permission" that will facilitate this type of vending as a means for local businesses to expand their serving area to achieve social distancing during the pandemic and preserve the viability of their businesses.
MLCC authorization of outside service requires the local unit of government and the police to indicate their approval of the permit application, and this resolution will provide City Council's approval subject to police approval. Other MLCC requirements may affect whether authorization for outside service is granted. However, applicants would still be subject to local permitting and police review of the application and would still be subject to enforcement of the applicable liquor laws.
Local businesses will only be allowed to extend premises into City Streets that have already been approved for closure by the City Council. This resolution does not propose to extend or alter the closure of any portion of any city streets beyond what has been approved by other actions of the Council.
This legislative action will be forwarded to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission by the City Clerk for review and final approval, along with other materials and reviews provided by city staff, at the time the local business makes their application to the MLCC for extension of premise.
Staff
Prepared by: John Fournier, Assistant City Administrator
Reviewed by: Kristen Larcom, Assistant City Attorney
Approved by: Tom Crawford, Interim City Administr...
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