Detroit-Permits

[JayScience]

Hello everyone! I've been reading threads here for a minute and decided I should join.

Well, a little history... I've been working in the restaurant biz for over 12 years. I've been a manager for over 3. (high volume) I've also been deep into the house/techno music scene and dj'ing for over 10 years. I've been throwing parties/promoting in clubs for almost three years as well.

My goal is to open a nightclub downtown and basically stay open as late as possible. If that means no liquor, fine. Full kitchen, fine. I need to know what permits I'm looking for. I've talked with people and the rules/laws are extremely blurry. Certain things even seem to need greasing of palms.

There are entertainment permits, dancing permits, social club types of licensing... I don't know where to start and I don't want to start asking without a little more solid knowledge of all of the options.

The idea stems from the idea of this juice bar/club that was extremely huge in the late 80's. No liquor. It was a social club so it had members and member fees. Anyone who was not a member was charged triple or quadruple at the door. It stayed open until 7am...

Detroit is moving in this direction again right now. There are a few spots that can stay open until 4am. The casino clubs will soon be pushing that further I imagine.


So, yeah, anyone familiar with these types of laws and permits in this area I'm looking for a little more info.

Thanks in advance.

[rootsreality]

Try signing up for a few of these:
http://www.mlba.org/page.cfm/30/

[JayScience]

The question was more about what permits I would be looking for to have an extremely late night spot, with entertainment. Not about liquor licensing.

[realityrox.com]

Get a lawyer that specializes in that. In addition, rules and regulations are different everywhere you go. It's best - since it's your operation - to go straight to the source. Then, you know - FOR SURE- exactly what you need.

If you are trying to cut corners and save money by not hiring an attorney or specialist at this type of business, then you probably aren't in the position to get the venue open at this time, anyhow.

Best of Luck and keep us posted.

[intensity]

Call the MLCC and ask the licensing division. You will get more answers there then here. A normal liquor license in Michigan allows you to serve up to 2am, everyone needs to be out f your building by 2:30. There are special permits that allow you to stay open till 4am but there can be no serving after 2am and ALL drinks must be off the table by 2:30. These permits have to be approved by the local officials in your area.

There was a bill in the house to allow places to serve till 4am and this is being pressured by the Detroit casinos. Last I heard it had passed the house but the Governer hadn't signed it yet.

Edit:
I wanted to add, if you don't want alcohol then you don't need a permit at all. Rent a hall, hire a DJ and go to town till the sun comes up. If you're using your own building you may need a dance and entertainment permit but if you rent a hall it is already there.

[DANmichigan]

Jay,

Contact me. I am thinking about opening a club in Downtown Detroit, near the casinos.

You have more experience than I...I bartended in a nightclub in a Marriot hotel for about 4 years when I was younger...but am now involved in a couple of other businesses.

Drop me a line at my personal email:

DANXtendlife@aol.com

Dan

[JayScience]

Thanks for the replies folks.

I have to ask what cabaret permits entail as well.