Potential zoning changes for liquor license uses

By Dana Casadei

Bloomfield Township Planning Commission members have scheduled a public hearing for early September on suggested ordinances changes to allow indoor recreational restaurants to obtain a liquor license, prompted by the planned opening of Tee Times, a new space for golf simulators and other state-of-the-art golf technology.

Zoning ordinane amendments that would allow indoor recreational restaurants, such as Tee Times, the ability to obtain a liquor license were discussed at the township's planning commission on Monday, August 5.

Tee Times is planning to occupy the former home to Rebel Boxing, and all adjacent vacant tenant spaces that are within the Maple Telegraph Shopping Center on Telegraph Road at Maple Road. The site plan has already been reviewed at by the township departments of assessor, building, fire, engineering and environmental services, ordinance, public works and police with no issues found.

“Looking at the nature of our cinemas it made sense to look at an ordinance amendment for something as unique as a recreational restaurant use, not just because of Tee Times either, but by others who have asked,” said Patricia Voelker, Bloomfield Township Director of Planning, Building, and Ordinances.

Earlier that day, Voelker said she had received a call from someone looking to open a pickleball members club in the township, and wanted to know more about obtaining a liquor license for something of that nature. 

The current ordinance isn’t specific enough for this type of business, so it isn’t permitted. Class C and tavern licenses are only permitted as special land uses in the B-2 Community Business District and the B-3 General Business District as part of a full service restaurant or a cinema use. Cinemas with a Class C or tavern license may be permitted as part of a mixed-use development with a development agreement – which was intended for the theater proposal for the Bloomfield Park project – and as an integral use within a planned shopping center, such as the former Maple Theater’s location within the Bloomfield Plaza Shopping Center. 

The proposed amendment changes to the zoning ordinance are very similar in language to the one that allows alcohol in cinemas, and would incorporate the Class C standards for restaurants and cinema uses to also include indoor recreational uses. 

Standards in the amendments that would allow for indoor recreational restaurants to sell beer, wine and liquor include that off-street parking shall be a part of the shared parking study for the planned shopping center and approved by the township; an application fee to the township would need to be paid; it would be unlawful for any person, company, corporation or other legal entity to seek a Class C or tavern license, or transfer a Class C or tavern license unless a permit was obtained from the township; and the license shall be for the sale of beer, wine and/or spirits that will be consumed on the premise. The sale of beer, wine, and spirits cannot exceed more than 50 percent of the total gross sales of the business.

Currently, the township has issued 25 on-premises Class C and/or tavern licenses, leaving them with five available to issue within the township, according to the the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.

“I’m thrilled that we’re getting something like this back to us to look at…” said Neal Barnett, planning commission and board of trustee member. “It’s a great idea. I think it’ll be advantageous to the township and the type of businesses we can attract.” 

“It’s pretty amazing what they’re able to provide to their customers,” said Voelker, who was able to visit the Rochester Hills location of the original Tee Times.

Brandon Shaya, co-owner of Tee Times, said that Bloomfield Township was the obvious pick for them when deciding where to open another Tee Times, and said they couldn’t be doing this anywhere better than here.

This work for Shaya and his team has been a dream project for them since they opened their first location in Rochester Hills in late 2022. 

The big draw for many will be the golf simulators and state-of-the-art technology located across the 9,382-square-foot space, allowing those who love to golf to do so no matter the weather outside. That technology includes 24-direction moving swing plate, multi-surface hitting mats, an LED putting guide, auto-tee and high-speed camera sensors.   

The proposed space would not only be home to 13 golf simulators but a full-service restaurant and bar, too. Shaya emphasized that the food they serve is not quick bowling alley food, but will be handcrafted by a chef and their team. 

At their Rochester Hills location, the menu ranges from wings and salads to wraps and sliders. There are also about a dozen different appetizers.

Special land use will also need to be considered for their proposed hours that would extend past 9 p.m.

The work at Tee Times isn’t just in the physical location but out in the community of Bloomfield Township too, where they plan to be as involved as they are with Rochester Hills.

Barnett commended them on their community involvement with Rochester Hills. “It’s very impressive how they get involved with the community,” he said. 

In Rochester Hills they host fundraisers, events, golf tournaments and work with the Rochester Hills high schools’ golf teams to allow them to come and practice with their coaches at Tee Times, with zero cost to them – which is notable considering Tee Times regular, non-summer rates range from $50-$70 an hour per bay. Up to six players are allowed in each bay.

Tee Times has already committed to serve as the training camp for the golf teams of Bloomfield Hills High School and Brother Rice High School at zero cost to them.