Benton Harbor City Commissioners aren’t happy a new liquor license has been granted in the community without the city’s approval.
At a meeting of the Benton Harbor Public Safety and Parks Committee this week, Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety Director Dan McGinnis said the Michigan Liquor Control Commission approved a liquor license for the Marathon gas station at 310 East Main Street last month.
McGinnis said the city isn’t supposed to have any more liquor licenses.
“Benton Harbor is, I think, maxed out in its allotment for liquor licenses,” McGinnis said. “This liquor license came — and this is where you all ought to be outraged — Bridgman. It was transferred from Bridgman.”
McGinnis said he was not notified about the license. One of his inspectors happened to find out about it while at the gas station and brought it to his attention. McGinnis said he checked to see if perhaps the city clerk was notified, but she wasn’t.
City Commissioner Juanita Henry said the city shouldn’t take this lying down.
“Why don’t we fight…especially when we’re in the right, and especially because they have done this before? We turned them down, and they still gave a license.”
Commissioners have been opposing the addition of any new liquor licenses in the city.
Commissioner Mary Alice Adams called for the gas station to be shut down. McGinnis said the city’s fight is really with the Michigan Liquor Control Commission for disregarding city leadership.
Committee Chair Jerry Edwards said the body will have the city attorney look at its options.
