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Livonia council signals support for waiving separation rule for Meijer’s beer-and-wine license
Summary
Council members moved to waive the city’s 500-foot separation requirement so a planned Meijer could obtain an SDM license to sell packaged beer and wine; planning staff said the request complies with state MLCC rules and the planning commission recommended approval if the council waives the local spacing rule.
Livonia’s City Council discussed a planning commission recommendation to waive the city’s 500-foot separation requirement so that a planned Meijer could obtain an SDM (specially designated merchant) license to sell beer and wine for off-premises consumption.
Planning staff explained the city’s separation rule and said the proposed Meijer is within 500 feet of three licensed SDM businesses (Primo’s Pizzeria, Wine Castle and Winter Garden Tavern). The planning commission recommended council waive the local spacing requirement so Meijer could be licensed.
Council members noted the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) has its own rules and said that in similar situations state rules — which can waive separation across major roads — would not be violated. “I think this is a good project,” Councilman Morgan said, and several members supported placing the waiver on the consent agenda.
Councilwoman Budzinski emphasized customer expectations at a major grocer, saying many shoppers expect to find beer and wine among grocery items. The council placed the waiver on the consent agenda for a final vote at the Sept. 9 regular meeting.
Next steps: The waiver will be voted at the Sept. 9 meeting; if approved, Meijer would proceed to seek the SDM license under state oversight.
