State requirements bring new store owners’ wine wish to halt

New downtown Zeeland business owners’ plans to add wine to their gifts and other offerings have come to a halt because their store isn’t eligible for a license. 

Bob and Shelley Walters, who opened My Favorite Dish & Gifts at 137 E. Main Ave., recently approached city leaders about the possibility of allowing a take-out liquor license for their store. The couple wanted to add wine and possibly beer to their store’s sales.

But Abby deRoo, city marketing director, said last week the business doesn’t qualify for a license because it doesn’t fit the Michigan Liquor Control Commission’s category
requirements. She said the store is most similar to the category of specialty food store, but more food items would have to be for sale in order for the store to qualify. The business currently offers dishes and other tabletop items, spiritual gifts, and home and holiday décor.

City Manager Tim Klunder said if officials wanted to approve an off-premise liquor license for the business they will have to change the city zoning and alcohol ordinances to allow for off-premise sales downtown. Currently the downtown area is zoned solely for on-premise alcohol sales.

However, Klunder said even if the city supports giving the Walters an off-premise license, the Liquor Control Commission could still deny them because their business doesn’t fit into an allowable category.

The city currently has three on-premise and one off-premise liquor licenses available based on population. Vitale’s Pizza and AJ’s Grocery & Liquor in Batt’s Plaza on Washington Avenue have received liquor licenses.