Tamar, Western Market liquor permits okayed

By Dana Casadei

Liquor licenses were unanimously approved for both Tamar Mediterranean Kitchen and Bar, and Western Market during the consent agenda at the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees meeting on Monday, March 23.

Tamar Mediterranean Kitchen and Bar has plans to open at 6608 Telegraph Road in the former space of the Zao Jun restaurant. Because Zao Jun already had an existing Class C liquor license, Tamar’s owner, Ziad Battah, made the transfer request, allowing for the liquor license to be transferred to Tamar Mediterranean Kitchen and Bar. Battah has also owned and operated Shawarma Grill Restaurant, 29555 Northwestern Highway in Southfield, for over a decade. 

Prior to March 23, Tamar had already received a special land use from the board of trustees at their meeting on Monday, February 23, which is needed in order to obtain a Class C liquor license. 

With this liquor license Tamar plans on curating a selection of wines, beers and specialty cocktails inspired by Mediterranean traditions.

A vote to approve the SDD and SDM liquor licenses for Western Market Bloomfield was also made at the March 23 meeting.

This will allow for the sale of beer, wine, liquor, and spirits for off-premises consumption at the specialty grocery store owned by Steven Selvaggio. 

While no liquor license agreements are required for the approval of an SDD or SDM license, an approved site plan application and special land use approval are necessary. The board of trustees approved both of those on February 23.

Western Market currently operates in Ferndale, where it offers a variety of specialty food items, fresh produce and curated local products.