Panel approves distilled spirits sales at Fulton convenience store after manager outlines controls
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Summary
The Planning Commission approved adding distilled spirits for off‑site sale at 1001 West Fulton Street, citing CPTED compliance, surveillance and a management plan; the applicant told the commission the store has passed MLCC control buys and uses an ID‑scan POS system.
The Grand Rapids Planning Commission on Dec. 11 approved a request to allow the sale of distilled spirits at an existing 24‑hour convenience store at 1001 West Fulton Street, finding the addition consistent with the property's commercial character and noting existing CPTED compliance and an operations plan.
Laura (planning staff) summarized site conditions and zoning context, noting the property is in a traditional neighborhood business zone and within the John Ball/area specific plan. The staff report described CPTED (crime prevention through environmental design) compliance and that the cash register location provides required storefront visibility.
Johnny Thomas, a business consultant specializing in liquor licensing, and owner‑operator Paramel Patel said the store has operated at the location since 2014 (with beer and wine since earlier) and has no violations on the Michigan Liquor Control Commission public record. Thomas and Patel said the store passed two MLCC control buys (2018 and 2024), operates an ID‑scan point‑of‑sale system that prompts cashiers to scan IDs, and maintains an HD camera system. "We don't anticipate a large amount of traffic," Thomas said, adding that distilled spirits would be on limited shelving behind the counter.
Staff noted neighborhood letters in the packet: support from the West Fulton Business Association and more than 100 neighbors in favor, and one property‑owner letter raising traffic and crime concerns. Commissioners cited compliance with CPTED and the applicant's surveillance and management plan and voted to approve the special land use and site plan review. The decision included a standard condition that the alcohol sales area conform to the submitted floor plan showing distilled spirits behind the register on one shelf and cooler doors dedicated to beer and wine.
The approval is subject to standard conditions of plan approval and to any state licensing requirements under the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.