By JOHN EBY
Dowagiac Daily News

Dowagiac Armory is seeking a special liquor license from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (LCC).

The LCC requested that the city adopt a resolution of support to better position the applicant to receive a license.

In the past, various municipalities have submitted “blanket approval” resolutions authorizing special licenses at military installations located within their unit of government.

By the city choosing to submit a blanket approval, it alleviates the need for the applicant to obtain approval for each application.

Blanket approval is site -specific and only covers special events at the Dowagiac Armory.

They would still need to get approvals from their commander and the Michigan Liquor Control Commission before any alcohol could be served.

Mayor Pro Tem Leon Laylin of Third Ward, who conducted the April 12 council meeting in the absence of Mayor Donald Lyons and City Manager Kevin Anderson, said, “They’re doing this in support of the troops, if they want to have fundraisers or social events for the soldiers who are involved in the unit, they’re able to do this and to have the authority to serve. This is strictly for the Armory itself. It doesn’t include anyone else.”

“This is logical because it shifts the burden away from the city,” Third Ward Councilman Dr. Charles Burling commented. “The burden actually falls on the Armory and their insurers and on the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. I think blanket approval is an excellent approach and I would recommend that.”