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Council files liquor-permit paperwork for Bunce Brothers after legal review; one member objects
Summary
Council reviewed a state beer-and-wine carryout application for Bunce Brothers at 17114 Detroit Ave., received the police/law report, and filed the matter without objection from most members; Councilman Bullock opposed filing, citing community concerns about vape shops and alcohol co-location.
Lakewood City Council reviewed a state carryout beer-and-wine permit application for Bunce Brothers, 17114 Detroit Ave., and filed the matter following the report from the Law Department and the police chief.
Law Director Vargo explained that state law gives the Ohio Division of Liquor Control primary authority over who receives licenses for carryout beer and wine and that municipal objections are limited to statutory grounds (for example, criminal background of the applicant, proximity to certain institutions, or other reasons enumerated in state law). Vargo said the city’s role is to provide the state with law-enforcement information and that several community-based objections that fall outside statutory grounds have been historically rejected by courts.
Council reviewed the police/law report and discussed public comments questioning whether a combined vape/coffee shop selling carryout alcohol is appropriate for the location. Councilman Bullock said he was persuaded by public comment and opposed filing without objection as a policy signal. Other members—including Vice President Baker and the law director—urged caution because the Division of Liquor Control, and Ohio Supreme Court precedent, limits local authority to withhold licenses on non-statutory grounds.
On a voice vote the council voted to file the application without municipal objection; the motion passed with one recorded opposition (Councilman Bullock). The city did not petition for a state hearing.
