Churches oppose liquor license for restaurant
Betsy Woodruff
Issue date: 10/8/09 Section: News
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That's when the commission will vote on whether to give Kevin Conant a liquor license for the small pub he wants to open in downtown Hillsdale.
Though Conant has won many supporters for his effort, including all the members of the city council, Mayor Michael Sessions and economic development director Christine Bowman, he faces two powerful opponents: the First United Methodist Church and First Presbyterian Church of Hillsdale.
Both churches have presented resolutions to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission in opposition of Conant's application for a liquor license for the pub he wants to co-open with his wife, Jessica, and Tim Hergert.
The Presbyterian church wrote, "Closeness to the churches, presence of young children in the neighborhood and insufficient parking in the immediate vicinity make the location of a bar on this site unsuitable."
The United Methodist church issued a similar statement, writing, "The Administrative Council of the Hillsdale First United Methodist Church supports the expansion of local business opportunities but has a concern for potential parking problems."
When a new business applies for a liquor license, all churches within 500 feet of its location can express their opposition to the commission.
Despite voicing opposition to the commission, neither of the churches sent representatives to the city council meeting on Sept. 8, when the members discussed this issue. This surprised Sessions, who reminded the churches' leaders of the meeting and invited them to attend and express their disapproval.
The council voted unanimously to approve the license.
Winning support from the liquor commission is the final step for Conant to take before he can open the pub.
"As soon as we get past the liquor commission, we're golden," he said.
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