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Macomb officials propose new liquor-license class for arcade entertainment centers
Summary
City attorneys briefed aldermen on an ordinance that would create a distinct liquor-license classification for arcade entertainment centers where game play is primary and alcohol secondary; the draft defines "minor" as under 21 and bars minors from designated bar areas. The item was placed on next week's council agenda.
Macomb officials presented an ordinance to amend the city's alcoholic-beverage code to create a new liquor-license classification for "arcade entertainment centers." The code change would treat game play and entertainment as the primary business and alcohol sales and consumption as secondary, allowing minors on the premises with restrictions that keep them out of bar areas.
The city attorney (City attorney) said the ordinance adds definitions for "arcade entertainment area" and defines a minor as anyone under age 21. The attorney said, "Minors would be allowed in these premises as the alcohol consumption and sale is the secondary purpose," but emphasized that minors would be restricted from bar areas.
Aldermen discussed existing special classifications, noting the city already has a distinct classification for bowling alleys with a similar recreational-primary/alcohol-secondary model. Council members said the proposed classification is intended to be broader to encompass modern entertainment venues that combine arcade games with food and beverage service.
Because council members requested further review and clarification, the moderator (Moderator) said the ordinance would be placed on next week's council meeting for formal consideration and possible first or second reading as appropriate. No formal vote on the ordinance was taken at the Committee of the Whole meeting.
The ordinance text and any associated floor amendments were not detailed in the committee discussion; the city attorney and staff are expected to provide the final draft and definitions to the council before next week's meeting.
