PORTAGE, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Portage City Council has rejected an application to license a bar proposed for the Crossroads, as they were not convinced the plan at the struggling mall is viable.
The liquor permit was one of two new licenses granted by the State of Michigan to the City of Portage following the most recent census, and are worth tens of thousands of dollars for whoever gets one.
Local developer Greg Bennett wants to build the bar at the end of the food court, where the Carousel used to be. But he admitted that he rushed his application when he saw that new licenses were granted.
Buying an existing license could cost from $50,000 to $70,000, if any are available.
Mayor Pro Tempore Jim Pearson was skeptical of the project, because he believes the mall is going downhill and the new owner has a poor track record for saving malls.
Council Member Terry Urban says his proposal was just too vague to win approval now.
Mayor Patricia Randall says they just didn’t have sufficient information to move forward.
Once a liquor license is granted, it becomes the property of the licensee who can use it to open a new bar or restaurant or sell it to the highest bidder if he or she fails. The city can’t get it back.
(reporting from John McNeill)
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