Lansing, MI - The Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) has issued emergency suspensions of the liquor licenses and permits for businesses in Mt. Pleasant, Plymouth, and Bitely.
The licensees’ multiple violations of the current Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Emergency Order on Gatherings and Face Masks include: allowing non-residential, indoor gatherings; providing indoor dining; exceeding limitations for outdoor dining, and failure to require face coverings for staff and patrons. Since September 2020, the MLCC has suspended liquor licenses of a total of 37 establishments located throughout the state for violations of the Executive and Emergency Orders due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On January 14, 2021, an MLCC Commissioner ordered the emergency suspension of the liquor license and permits held by Corky’s Beal City Tavern, LCC d/b/a Corky’s Beal City Tavern located at 2007 N. Winn Road in Mt. Pleasant. Specifically, the Commission issued an emergency suspension of its Class C, and Specially Designated Merchant licenses and its permits for Sunday Sales (P.M.) and Outdoor Service.
On January 14, 2021, an MLCC Commissioner ordered the emergency suspension of the liquor licenses and permits for 408, Inc. d/b/a The Post Local Bistro located at 844 Penniman Ave. in Plymouth. Specifically, the Commission issued an emergency suspension of its Class C, and Specially Designated Merchant licenses and its permits for Additional Bar, Sunday Sales (A.M. and P.M.), Dance, Entertainment, two Outdoor Service Areas, and Direct Connection.
Corky’s Beal City Tavern and The Post Local Bistro are scheduled to appear before an Administrative Law Judge on January 20, 2021, for a virtual hearing via Zoom to determine whether this summary suspension should continue, or other fines and penalties should be imposed.
On January 15, 2021, an MLCC Commissioner ordered the emergency suspension of the liquor licenses and permits for KG Hardscrabble, LLC, d/b/a Bitely Tavern located at 2384 W. Main Street in Bitely. Specifically, the Commission issued an emergency suspension of its Class C, and Specially Designated Merchant licenses and its permits for Sunday Sales (P.M.), Outdoor Service, Dance, and Special Purpose. The licensee is scheduled to appear before an Administrative Law Judge on January 22, 2021, for a virtual hearing via Zoom to determine whether this summary suspension should continue, or other fines and penalties should be imposed.
Licensees are strictly prohibited from allowing indoor gatherings, as defined by the MDHHS Gatherings and Face Mask Order, on their licensed premises. They must also follow the MDHHS order’s provisions concerning outdoor dining. Further, these prohibited gatherings held without requiring patrons to wear face masks pose an immediate threat to the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Allowing this activity to continue could create additional outbreaks of COVID-19.
Any licensed establishment that is in violation of the MDHHS emergency order will be held strictly accountable and risk suspension or revocation of its license. All licensees must not only comply with the MDHHS Orders, but also local health department orders, and local ordinances regarding reduced occupancy rates and social distancing protocols related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The MLCC Enforcement Division, is working diligently to ensure that licensees are compliant with the MDHHS orders. It investigates all complaints relative to allegations of violations of the Code, Rules and Emergency Orders, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic.
The public can report any suspected non-compliance issue at an establishment directly to the MLCC by filing a complaint with the MLCC Enforcement Division online or by calling the division’s hotline, toll-free, at 866-893-2121. MLCC’s website at www.michigan.gov/lcc provides information on the MDHHS Emergency Order, indoor service restrictions, face mask requirements and Frequently Asked Questions for restaurants and bars.
To date, there have been more than 538,377 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Michigan, resulting in more than 13,824 deaths. Although vaccination for COVID-19 is underway across the state, the pandemic is not yet at an end, and more challenging months lay ahead.
Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
It is the mission of the MLCC to make alcoholic beverages available for consumption while protecting the consumer and the general public through the regulation of those involved in the importation, sale, consumption, distribution, and delivery of these alcohol products.