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Zeeland council advances Sunday alcohol sales amendment and formalizes parks in Social District
Summary
City staff recommended and council advanced first readings to allow Sunday alcohol sales (12 p.m.–2 a.m. Monday) and to permit alcohol consumption in parks inside the downtown Social District; first reading of the Sunday-sales amendment passed 6–1.
City Marketing Director Abby deRoo told Zeeland’s study session and regular meeting that staff reached out to on‑premise license holders as part of the city’s 2025 Strategic Action Plan and found some interest and no opposition to allowing Sunday alcohol sales. The draft amendment to Section 4‑22 would allow on‑ and off‑premise license holders to sell or serve alcohol on Sundays between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. Monday, consistent with state law.
At the Nov. 3 regular meeting, Councilmember Broersma moved and Councilmember VanDorp seconded approval of the ordinance’s first reading. The motion passed on first reading with six ayes — Mayor Klynstra, Timmer, VanDorp, Lam, Broersma and Kass — and one no vote from Mayor Pro‑Tem Gruppen.
DeRoo also recommended amending the city’s Parks Ordinance (Section 14‑3) to codify existing practice that allows alcohol consumption in Elm Street Park and Vande Luyster Square when such use is part of the city’s downtown Social District and complies with the Social District rules. The Downtown Splash Pad remains excluded from regular Social District use; staff noted the splash pad has only been included for special events in the past and suggested Council might permanently remove it from the Social District boundary.
Staff told Council that two emails were received in the Clerk’s office in advance: Doug Vos, chair of the Shopping Area Redevelopment Board and owner of Don’s Flowers & Gifts, wrote that his business was not opposed to Sunday sales; Rev. Eric Barnes, SARB member and co‑pastor of Second Reformed Church, also indicated no opposition. The City Attorney prepared the draft ordinance language to align city code with neighboring jurisdictions and give license holders the choice of whether to open on Sundays.
The first reading of the parks amendment (Ordinance 1043), which would allow alcohol in city parks located within the Social District provided license‑holder rules are followed, also advanced on first reading after a motion from Councilmember VanDorp and a second from Councilmember Broersma; that motion passed unanimously.
Because both items were introduced as non‑emergency readings, staff said the city has time to continue community engagement before subsequent readings and final votes. The Social District Management and Maintenance Plan will return to Council for consideration on Nov. 17, 2025, with a draft that staff said preserves Monday–Saturday Social District hours and excludes regular Sunday use.
