Title
Resolution to Recommend Approval of Issuance of New Full-Year Class C Quota Liquor Licenses in the City of Ann Arbor
Memorandum
Following the results of the 2020 decennial census and the return of one Class C license to Ann Arbor, the City of Ann Arbor has eight new Class C licenses available for the City to issue under the State’s Class C quota system.
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 State Liquor Control Commission for the issuance of new Class C licenses to the eight businesses listed in this resolution “above all others.”
City staff reviewed the applications and provided comments to the Council Liquor License Review Committee. All outstanding debt to the City, open and expired building permits, and issuance of proper certificates of occupancy will be resolved prior to final approval provided by the City to the MLCC through their investigation and approval process.
Staff
Prepared by: Jacqueline Beaudry, City Clerk
Sponsored by: Council Liquor License Review Committee
Body
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor was notified by the State of Michigan Liquor Control Commission that the City has eight on-premise Class C liquor license available for award under the State’s quota system;
Whereas, The decision to recommend issuance of a new quota liquor license is the prerogative of the local governmental unit;
Whereas, The City Council has established a Liquor License Review Committee to review all applications for liquor licenses in the City of Ann Arbor;
Whereas, The Liquor License Review Committee designed and implemented a competitive application process, including the publication of this process inviting applications from new and existing businesses;
Whereas, The Liquor License Review Committee reviewed all applications submitted within the prescribed process, with particular interest in applicants who intend to enhance the community with the uniqueness of their business, diversify the city's offerings, and commitment and actions related to the city's A2ZERO initiative;
Whereas, At their meeting on May 6, 2022, the Liquor License Review Committee voted to recommend issuance of a new Class C liquor license to the following applicants:
• A2WINEMAN, LLC at 512 S. Main St. Ann Arbor, MI 48104
• Chela’s Restaurant and Taqueria, LLC at 693 S. Maple Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48103
• Jibarito A2, LLC at 309 S. Main St. Ann Arbor, MI 48104
• Lowertown Proper, LLC at 1031 Broadway St. Ann Arbor, MI 48105
• Majek, LLC at 407 N. Fifth Ave. Ann Arbor, MI 48104
• Spiedo, LLC at 307 S. Fifth St. Ann Arbor, MI 48104
• The Upkeep Games, LLC at 2121 W. Stadium Blvd. Ann Arbor, MI 48103
• Up From The Skies, LLC at 210 S. Main St. Ann Arbor, MI 48104; and
Whereas, The recommended businesses will be informed that final approval of a license at their designated location will be subject to approval by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission and a background investigation and approval by City departments;
RESOLVED, That the City Council recommend that the Michigan Liquor Control Commission consider the request from the following businesses for Approval “Above All Others” and that the applications be recommended for issuance of a new full-year Class C license:
• A2WINEMAN, LLC at 512 S. Main St. Ann Arbor, MI 48104
• Chela’s Restaurant and Taqueria, LLC at 693 S. Maple Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48103
• Jibarito A2, LLC at 309 S. Main St. Ann Arbor, MI 48104
• Lowertown Proper, LLC at 1031 Broadway St. Ann Arbor, MI 48105
• Majek, LLC at 407 N. Fifth Ave. Ann Arbor, MI 48104
• Spiedo, LLC at 307 S. Fifth St. Ann Arbor, MI 48104
• The Upkeep Games, LLC at 2121 W. Stadium Blvd. Ann Arbor, MI 48103
• Up From The Skies, LLC at 210 S. Main St. Ann Arbor, MI 48104
RESOLVED, That the City Clerk forward a copy of this resolution to each of the recommended businesses and the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.
Sponsored by: Council Liquor License Review Committee