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Council approves microbrewery license for Anchor Bay Brewing after public hearing
Summary
After a public hearing and questions about access, reservations and brewing on-site, the council approved a resolution to issue a microbrewery license and related permits to Anchor Bay Brewing Company at 14441 West 11 Mile Road. The owner said the venue will operate as a reservation-only, adults-only 'speakeasy' with limited beer on tap.
The Oak Park City Council voted to approve a microbrewery license and related permits for Anchor Bay Brewing Company at a public hearing held July 6. The company plans a reservation-only, adults-only "speakeasy" and said most production will remain at its existing St. Clair Shores facility.
Ryan Balicki, representing Anchor Bay Brewing, told council the location will be a small, reservation-based tasting room with a speakeasy concept and craft cocktails. “We are not trying to be a brewery,” Balicki said, explaining that beer would largely be brewed off-site, transferred and bonded to the new location and that the venue would have “no more than 2 or 3 beers on tap.” He said the site would include one fermenter on-site to comply with state microbrew requirements.
Council members probed licensing mechanics and neighborhood impacts. The mayor and council asked about whether three distinct state licenses (microbrewer, small distiller and small winemaker) would count against the city’s quota; staff referenced prior interpretations from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) indicating such licenses do not always count against local quotas.
Neighbors raised parking and accessibility concerns. Marty Weinberg, owner of a neighboring car wash, asked how patrons would access the site and said the applicants told him they will provide a ground-level, disability-compliant rear door to prevent patrons from cutting across his car wash bays. Balicki said the applicants have already received site-plan approval and will address parking and access issues.
Public questions also addressed security and inclusivity. Balicki said the business intends to be 21-and-over, that staff will be TIP-certified and that reservation and QR-code access will limit walk-ins. On a question about whether the model could hurt other businesses in the 11 Mile social district, Balicki said his goal is to “grow the pie” — to bring more customers to the area rather than take business from neighbors.
After public comment and council questions, Council Member Radnor moved to approve the resolution; the motion was seconded and carried by roll call. The mayor welcomed the business to Oak Park.
