Council approves liquor license for Wicked Pickle indoor pickleball facility

Westland City Council unanimously approved an application for a new Class C and a tag‑along SDM liquor license for Wicked Pickle Company LLC, a newly opened indoor pickleball and events facility at 36871 Warren Road.

The license was approved following a presentation by attorney Seth Tompkins and co‑owner Ron Stern. The council motion to approve was made by Councilman Hornbuckle and supported by Councilwoman Rakowski; no dissent was recorded.

Tompkins explained the SDM license is a non‑quota, tag‑along license that permits the sale of beer and wine to‑go; he described it as “a $100 a year” add‑on many Class C applicants request to avoid reopening the application process later. He said the SDM is handled by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission and that the city resolution is forwarded to the state for investigation and final issuance.

Co‑owner Ron Stern described the facility as a family‑friendly destination that has hosted players and small events since opening. Council members asked about operations: Wicked Pickle’s current posted hours are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; owners indicated alcohol would likely be sold from about noon until close and that Sunday hours now end at 6 p.m. but could extend in busier months (they mentioned possible midnight weekend hours in the fall/winter). Stern and Tompkins said the business will require tip/serving certification for employees and intends to maintain written policies on responsible service; Tompkins said he recommended that all servers be TIPS‑certified and the managers be certified as well.

Councilmembers framed the business as a welcome local destination and compared it to other recreation venues that hold similar licenses. Several council members — including Hart, Hornbuckle and Pro Tem Sampe — praised the facility for investment and community appeal. The council passed the application unanimously.