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Farmington council approves liquor license for Farmington Civic Theatre
Summary
The Farmington City Council unanimously approved a municipal civic center liquor license for the Farmington Civic Theatre after an applicant described a low-cost plan for a small upstairs bar to serve beer and wine during shows; council members raised service-age, training and minimal construction questions.
The Farmington City Council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing an on‑premise municipal civic center liquor license for the Farmington Civic Theatre on Dec. 15.
Claire Cooney, who presented the application, told the council the plan is to install a small bar in the theatre's upstairs lobby to serve canned beer and poured wine during showtimes and private events. "This is one of the best amenities movie theaters can provide that significantly boosts revenue for the theater," Cooney said, adding the initial build would be small and low-cost.
The proposal was presented as a revenue-support measure for a struggling independent theatre. Cooney said theaters nationwide have seen attendance and box-office receipts down since 2019 and that food and beverage sales are "the backbone of the film industry." She estimated the custom bar could be built for roughly $600 to $700 and said the theatre would start with beer and wine only, which the health department indicated would not require a hand-washing sink for the bar. Managers over 21 would serve, staff would complete mandatory alcohol‑service training and the bar area would remain locked when not in use.
Council members asked about Michigan age rules and staffing. "So in Michigan, the age is 17 and older, but you need to have someone who's 18 and older present," Cooney said; she added that the theatre does not employ anyone under 18 and intends to have managers, all over 21, handle service.
Council member Balch praised the idea as a low‑cost way to improve the venue. "I just think this is a fantastic step in the right direction," Balch said. After discussion, Council member Taylor moved to adopt the resolution approving the municipal civic center liquor license application; the motion was supported by Council member Balch and carried on a unanimous roll call vote.
The council's approval allows the theatre to proceed with the measures Cooney described; she thanked the council after the vote. The license approval does not authorize any building changes beyond the small bar described and the council did not attach additional conditions during the meeting.
