Three suburban Detroit restaurants/bars lost their liquor licenses temporarily for allegedly defying a state ban on indoor service.
Businesses in Plymouth, Wyandotte and Sterling Heights are the latest accused of rule-breaking after visits by Liquor Control Commission inspectors, MLive reports. An epidemic order was extended Dec. 7 to prohibit food or beverage consumption inside until Jan. 15.
The agency that regulates alcohol sales has suspended 31 retail licenses since September, including Oak Cafe sports bar in Wyandotte earlier this month. Actions against these sites were announced this week:
► Brooklyn's Bar, Wyandotte: A mid-afternoon inspection Dec. 16 in response to a complaint found six maskless patrons with beverages at the Eureka Road business. Only one had takeout food. The bartender's mask didn't cover her nose, says a report, which adds that the investigator ordered a bottle of Bud Light and was served without being asked to order carryout food.
Use of this Plymouth patio brings a license suspension because it was enclosed on top and all sides, a state agency says. (Photo: Facebook)
► Plymouth ROC: A Plymouth police officer, visiting Dec. 3 at the commission's request, saw five guests in a fully enclosed front patio (right) at the Ann Arbor Road sports bar. A roof and tarps on all sides made it equivalent to an inside space under state rules. The state report says:
On Dec. 15, 2020, community development director for the City of Plymouth [John Buzuvis] received a video from a complainant revealing that the licensee was still allowing the consumption of food and drink in the fully enclosed patio area. Director went to the establishment at 5 p.m. and observed that the patio area was enclosed on all four sides with a roof. He also observed several patrons being served food and beverages in that enclosed area.
At 11:51 p.m. that same day, [an] officer of the Plymouth Police Department responded to a noise complaint at the establishment. While investigating that complaint, officer observed patrons within the patio area. He also observed that the patio area was still enclosed on all four sides with a roof.
On Dec. 17, director visited the licensed establishment at 4:30 and 6 p.m. On both occasions, he observed patrons being served in the patio area while it was enclosed with a roof and four sides.
► Sahara of Sterling Heights: An investigator saw a Dec. 17 wedding party at the Metropolitan Parkway banquet hall, where 35 to 40 guests were inside. "Some of the patrons were observed consuming beverages," an enforcement report says. "Neither the staff nor the patrons appeared to be wearing masks."
The liquor commission welcomes heads-ups about a bar or alcohol-serving restaurant that lets patrons stay inside. Tips can be given -- anonymously, if wanted -- at (866) 893-2121 or by filing a complaint online.
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