JUST GOT THIS RELEASE from the Community Media Center regarding the Wealthy Theatre's application for a Club liquor license: A Critical Moment For Wealthy Theatre:

Technically, we're requesting a "PWA" which is a permit to allow for change of use. The change of use would be the acquisition of a permanent liquor licenses on premises, known as a Club License.

As you may know, a "Club License" is a relatively restrictive type, issued by the state of Michigan to nonprofit organizations that have a membership base. It is used very successfully by a number of historic performance venues in the state, such as The Ark and Michigan Theatre (both in Ann Arbor).

However, there is a serious challenge to this PWA request: the Grand Rapids Police Department (Vice Unit) has denied the request and the head of the Vice Unit will be appearing, to formally object to our request. GRPD has not provided CMC with a formal explanation of... why they are denying this request. We only have second-hand details regarding one part of their objection: they do not feel it is safe for patrons to consume alcohol in a theatre with the lights dimmed.

We've also been told they would prefer Wealthy Theatre seek a "Class C" liquor license. However, our research into license types (which began in February, 2007) led us to discover a "Class C" license would effectively turn Wealthy Theatre into an open bar. City officials have confirmed we would be required to sell alcohol to everyone (21+) regardless of whether they were attending an event. This goes against our intentions for seeking a license, which was to provide a simple enhancement -- not to become a bar.

I've got to say that a Club License appears to be the right solution here and the GRPD's suggestion to apply instead for a standard Class C license doesn't seem to make any sense, particularly considering their position that a Club License would be hazardous in some way.

My guess is that there's more to this story, but unfortunately the hearing with the Grand Rapids Planning Commission is today at 1PM. Hopefully more info will be available afterwards and this will be resolved in a fair and sensible manner.

I get over to the Wealthy Theatre from time to time, and a glass of wine would be quite welcome at most of the events I attend.

For more information, including letters of support from many groups and businesses, see the post at CMC.