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Mount Clemens commission debates consumption lounges, approves temporary marijuana events and two consumption licenses
Summary
After extended discussion about zoning, ventilation and downtown business impacts, the commission voted to permit two designated consumption establishments and to allow temporary marijuana events; commissioners sought DDA and sheriff input before final ordinance drafting.
The Mount Clemens City Commission opened a lengthy discussion about where and how cannabis could be consumed on commercial premises and whether the city should permit temporary marijuana events, then approved limited allowances with conditions.
City Manager Johnson told commissioners the draft ordinance as written did not permit on‑premises consumption or temporary events and described the two state/local licensing tracks involved: a designated consumption establishment permits on‑site use for adults 21 and older but does not allow retail sales on the premises, and temporary-event licenses require separate state approval plus municipal sign-off. “The draft ordinance does not allow for either,” Johnson said, outlining that consumption licenses generally will be adjacent to retail or microbusinesses and must meet state ventilation and other operational rules.
Public commenters and business representatives urged flexibility. Randy Bachman of Pleasant Trees Campus Company described a consumption lounge proposal for the Gibraltar space and emphasized that organizers must apply to the state 90 days before an event and obtain local permits. Jerome Crawford, director of legal operations and social equity at Pleasantries, echoed that the state and local review process will limit ad‑hoc events while creating new revenue and employment opportunities.
Commissioners focused on siting and downtown impacts. DDA retail representative Nikki Weiss said earlier retail discussions had mixed views and recommended getting current DDA input rather than relying on feedback from several years ago. Commissioner Meister and others asked staff to survey downtown businesses and the DDA because “they’re the ones that are going to be impacted,” Weiss said, recommending an updated business perspective.
The commission considered two procedural proposals: one motion to table the topic until the DDA provided a majority opinion failed on roll call; a subsequent motion to permit two designated consumption establishments carried (roll‑call recorded). Commissioners then voted to allow temporary marijuana events; the mayor announced the motion passed 5 to 2.
City staff and the city attorney noted a separate set of issues to be resolved in drafting: zoning districts where consumption establishments would be allowed (the draft currently references light industrial and industrial), hours of operation, ventilation and safety requirements under state rules, and the risk of litigation over whether selection processes for licenses are competitive. Johnson said staff would draft ordinance language reflecting the commission’s direction and any selection criteria adjustments and circulate a revised proposal.
What’s next: staff will prepare a draft ordinance that reflects the commission’s direction, incorporate input from the DDA and sheriff as requested, and return a revised proposal for further review and formal adoption.
