Hartland Township Votes to Publish Notice for Liquor License Application

The  board voted, 7-0, Tuesday night at its board meeting to publish notice of intent to make a new liquor license available.

It is the first new liquor license the township has been able to offer since 2006. Licenses are granted based on community population. Because Hartland's population grew by over 3,000 residents since the 2000 census, it now has two to offer.

Township Manager James Wickman said applications are being accepted and the licenses will be given to entities the township deems as "good economic development opportunities," he said.

There is at least one business that has already expressed interest in receiving a liquor license. Mark Schaffer, who is the owner of the  and also the Kensington Valley Ice House in Brighton Township, said he was pleased the township was opening up the opportunity after he and several supporters approached the board in September about a possible license for a now closed restaurant inside the sports center. Schaffer applied for a license before but has been unsuccessful.

"I feel good," Schaffer said. "They're going to let me make a good pitch. … No matter who's out there, I don't think anyone can bring a better business plan than what I would propose outside the fact I'm not developing a new piece of property."

Applications are now being accepted, which must be in accordance with the Hartland Township Liquor License Ordinance. The board will then review each applicant and make a decision.

Any business interested in applying should pick up the application at the township office located at . The deadline to submit all required paperwork is Nov. 15.

Any questions, call the Hartland Township at 810-632-7503.