Politics & Government

Proposed New Bar in Downtown Royal Oak Upsets Nearby Residents

Tom December plans to address the Liquor Control Commission, which meets today to consider several proposals.

At least two downtown Royal Oak residents oppose plans for new restaurant/bars in the Fifth Street area, one of several proposals before the city's Liquor Control Committee today.

Evolution Hospitality Group LLC is proposing to transfer the liquor license from the former Rumor's location on Main Street to open Ballentine's restaurant and at 409 S. Center St. – in the same building as , according to city documents. 

The applicants describe Ballantine's as an upscale steakhouse with a "Frank Sinatra" style lounge seating 332 people total inside, with another 20 outside, according to a memo from Royal Oak Police Lt. Thomas Goad to the Liquor Control Committee.

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Tom December, of the Association, said he believes the presence of another bar/restaurant will only increase the need for police presence and disruptive behavior among downtown patrons. 

"It is a nonbeneficial business proposal that impacts severely the resources of the city and the property values associated with the Skylofts condominiums," December said. 

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A new bar will also bring issues in the area such as exhaust fumes and garbage, December said.

December plans to present facts on the amount of liquor sold in the Fifth Street area and how it affects the amount of city services needed.

Another nearby resident, William Demiene, also wrote a letter to the LCC opposing the project. "My condominium faces west and I regularly observe the general mayhem of traffic, police cars and patrons in various states of inebriation that occurs virtually every weekend," Demiene wrote.

The police department opposes the plan, citing a strain on police resources. "Currently, the vast majority of CBD related problems occur on Fifth Street in this area," Goad says in the memo. "This new establishment will likely only add to our issues."

Also on Liquor Control Committee agenda

Royal One, LLC: Royal One, doing business as Hamlin's Pub, requests to transfer ownership and location of Class C License with Sunday Sales Permit, Entertainment Permit and Official Permit (Billiards) from Samira, LLC, Business Id. No. 5128, currently active at , 30295 Woodward, Royal Oak, to 386-390 N. Main Street, Spaces 1 & 2, Royal Oak, Michigan, and requests a new SDM License, new Dance Permit, new Sunday Sales (AM) Permit, new Official Permit (Food) and new Outdoor Service Area on city sidewalk, one additional bar for a total of two (2) Bars and to cancel the existing Official Permit (Billiards).

The new establishment would be called Hamlin's Corner and is described as an upscale restaurant with a sports theme and include a separate entrance for beer, wine and food carryout, according to city documents. Total interior seating would be 250 with an additional 27 outdoors. 

The opposes the addition of Hamlin's Corner because of a potential strain on department resources.

: Requests approval for a change in the plan of operation. The requested changes are to the seating floor plan for the first and second floors as well as extended hours. The police department does not object to the plans, according to a memo.

Evolution Hospitality Group LLC:  Requests to transfer ownership and location of Class C and SDM Liquor License with Sunday Sales Permit and Outdoor Service Area Permit from Lawrence L. Sophiea & Sons, Inc., BID No. 789 (in Escrow at 112-114 S. Main, Royal Oak, Michigan, Oakland County) to 409 South Center Street, Royal Oak, Michigan, Oakland County and requests a new Sunday Sales (AM) Permit, Outdoor Service Area on city sidewalk, new Dance Permit, new Entertainment Permit, new Official Permit (Food) and a new Additional Bar Permit.

If you go

  • What: Royal Oak Liquor Control Committee meeting and public hearings
  • When: 4-6 p.m. Thursday
  • Where: City Hall, City Commission Room, Room 315


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