Council backs Resort Class C liquor license and SDM for Sierra LLC at Grand River Road

The Wixom City Council unanimously supported a resolution to back issuance of a Michigan Liquor Control Commission Resort Class C on‑premise retail liquor license, a specially designated merchant (SDM) off‑premise retail license and Sunday AM/PM sales permits for Sierra LLC (Authentica Indian Cuisine) at 49809 Grand River Road.

Assistant City Manager Drew Benson told the council staff, the city attorney’s office and the police department reviewed the applicant’s packet and background check and recommended approval, finding no issues that would disqualify the business from receiving the requested licenses and permits. “We did not find any specific reasons that would impact their candidacy for issuance of these licenses and permits,” Benson said.

Applicant representative Patrick Howe said the business adjusted its application to seek a resort‑class license rather than a quota license after learning quota licenses are limited to the downtown area and can be expensive to purchase. He said purchasing a quota license in Oakland County can cost about $130,000, while a state‑issued resort license is on the order of $20,000. He described the restaurant as primarily a meal service with accessory alcohol service and said the SDM would cover limited takeout alcohol with a catering permit required for private events.

Council approved the staff recommendation on a voice vote; the motion carried. The council did not record a roll‑call tally in the transcript record other than all members present saying “aye.”