Politics & Government
Farmington Officials Pass Incidental Alcohol Ordinance
Enforcement would be local if businesses that don't normally serve alcohol offer an alcohol-related activity.
Businesses around the city will now have the option of offering alcohol to patrons, even if they don't have a regular liquor license, under special circumstances.
The Council voted 4-1 to change the city's liquor code so that business patrons could bring alcohol to the premises for instructional purposes – a wine tasting course, for instance. City Manager Vincent Pastue said there haven't been a lot of requests by city businesses, but a few have asked.
Councilwoman JoAnn McShane asked if the Michigan Liquor Control Commission would be able to oversee the program. Pastue said they wouldn't.
"The enforcement would be local," he said. He added that the city attorney said the use would be permitted only if it were instructional.
Public Safety Director Robert Schulz said the police would follow the same operating procedures they do with other businesses, assume they're following the law and take action if they do not voluntarily comply.
Councilman David Wright voted against the measure.
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