Benton Harbor City Commissioners could soon look at how many liquor licenses are allowed in the community. At a meeting this past week, Mayor Pro Tem Duane Seats sought to put a suspension of all new liquor licenses on the agenda. He said the city has too many businesses selling booze.
“On Main Street they have ten liquor licenses that people are transferring, putting in their nephew’s name, putting in their uncle’s name, and we have no stability,” Seats said. “When I called the Liquor Control Commission, they said that Royalton Township, Stevensville, other municipalities have the right to have as many as they want.”
Mayor Marcus Muhammad said the city doesn’t control liquor licenses.
“I just want to make sure that as the city charter states and we have to follow, the city commission cannot pass a resolution or an ordinance that conflicts with Michigan compiled law,” Muhammad said.
City Attorney Rick Racht said the city can’t suspend an existing license, but it can work with the state to regulate liquor license transfers. He pointed to a city rule regulating Sunday sales as showing the city has influence. He also said the city grants permits for liquor licenses. Seats said he will call a special meeting for the matter to be discussed further.
