Commission renews two downtown liquor licenses after public hearings; one vote split

Two southeast downtown restaurants won commission approval to renew their Class C liquor licenses at the March 10 meeting after public hearings and discussion of safety and crowd-control measures.

Lede: After public hearings that included owners, staff and residents, the commission approved renewal of the Class C licenses for 2 20 (Merrill) and Zana (210 S. Old Woodward). Commissioners pressed both operators on measures taken after prior overcrowding or disturbance incidents and asked for aggressive enforcement of parking/valet rules.

What happened at the hearings - 2 20 (Merrill): Owner representatives said they had met with police and fire, increased security and taken procedural steps after a prior overcrowding violation. A nearby resident reported repeated curbside parking by customers that blocks driveways. Police and the owners agreed to coordinate on more active enforcement. The commission voted to renew the license (roll call recorded yes votes from the commissioners present), after the applicant said it had added security staff and was working with both police and fire to avoid repeats. - Zana (South Old Woodward): Owners and managers apologized for “instances of overcrowding” and several reported disturbances during 2024. They described recent operational changes — more security personnel and closer coordination with police — and told commissioners arrests in 2024 were isolated and the business had revised procedures to prevent recurrence. The commission approved renewal after a roll-call vote in which Mayor Pro Tem Ballard cast the only recorded “no” vote; other commissioners voted to renew.

Commission emphasis and public comments Commissioners focused on public-safety procedures, valet and curb enforcement and the need to avoid recurring crowding and fights in large-capacity venues. A number of residents and regular customers spoke in favor of the businesses while urging stronger enforcement of parking and safety rules. Police and fire confirmed they had inspected the locations and that no new open safety violations remained after owners reported fixes.

Ending: follow-up expectations Commissioners asked staff to: (1) continue parking and valet enforcement; (2) ensure prompt reporting from operators to police and fire when incidents occur; and (3) return if new incidents occur. The renewals are for the 2025 licensing period.

Speakers (selected) - Owners and on-site managers from 2 20 and Zana (present at each hearing) - Chief of Police (addressed enforcement and staffing) - Fire Department representatives (addressed overcrowding citations) - Residents and frequent customers offering support and concerns

Authorities []

Actions [{ "kind":"motion", "motion":"Adopt resolution approving renewal of the Class C liquor license for 2 20 (Merrill) for the 2025 licensing period", "mover":"Commissioner (unnamed in transcript)", "second":"Commissioner Host", "vote_record":[{"member":"Commissioner Schaffer","vote":"yes"},{"member":"Mayor Pro Tem Ballard","vote":"yes"},{"member":"Commissioner Host","vote":"yes"},{"member":"Commissioner Anthony Long","vote":"yes"},{"member":"Mister Kaberang","vote":"yes"},{"member":"Commissioner Hay","vote":"yes"},{"member":"Mayor Theresa Long","vote":"yes"}], "tally":{"yes":7,"no":0,"abstain":0}, "outcome":"approved", "notes":"Owners pledged additional coordination with police and fire; no outstanding safety violations at time of vote."},{ "kind":"motion", "motion":"Adopt resolution approving renewal of the Class C liquor license for Zana (210 S. Old Woodward) for the 2025 licensing period", "mover":"Commissioner (unnamed in transcript)", "second":"Commissioner (unnamed in transcript)", "vote_record":[{"member":"Commissioner Host","vote":"yes"},{"member":"Commissioner Schaffer","vote":"yes"},{"member":"Mayor Pro Tem Ballard","vote":"no"},{"member":"Mayor Theresa Long","vote":"yes"},{"member":"Commissioner Anthony Long","vote":"yes"},{"member":"Commissioner Emeryin","vote":"yes"},{"member":"Commissioner Hague","vote":"yes"}], "tally":{"yes":6,"no":1,"abstain":0}, "outcome":"approved", "notes":"Commissioners emphasized recent increases in security staffing and asked for continued reporting to police and fire; one 'no' vote recorded."}]

provenance":{"transcript_segments":[{"block_id":"15001.295","local_start":0,"local_end":120,"evidence_excerpt":"Sure. No. Good evening, Zaida Lai, on behalf of 2 20 Meryl. Appreciate everyone's time today. We had an overcrowding incident, unfortunately.","tc_start":"02:20:01","reason_code":"topicintro"},{"block_id":"15711.189","local_start":0,"local_end":80,"evidence_excerpt":"I'd like to make a motion adopting a resolution to approve the renewal of the liquor license for the 2025 licensing period for 2 20 restaurant...","tc_start":"02:35:11","reason_code":"topicfinish"},{"block_id":"15797.78","local_start":0,"local_end":160,"evidence_excerpt":"Alright. Now I'd like to open the public hearing...Zena at 210 South Old Woodward...Good evening. James is Aki on behalf of Zana and my partners.","tc_start":"02:39:57","reason_code":"topicintro"},{"block_id":"16961.209","local_start":0,"local_end":120,"evidence_excerpt":"Motion to adopt resolution approving renewal of the liquor license for Zana...roll call recorded one 'no' vote from Mayor Pro Tem Ballard.","tc_start":"02:56:01","reason_code":"topicfinish"}] }