Groveland Twp. – A local bar that didn’t clean up its act is motivating Groveland Township officials to consider their own liquor ordinance.
To settle a stack of violations that have been piling up since last September, the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (LCC) is directing Dirty’s Bar & Grill of Groveland Township to sell the bar.
While selling the controversial establishment would ease headaches for local officials, a local ordinance being considered could bring in funds to further aid the township and the Michigan State Police in enforcement.
‘What prompted the liquor ordinance is the ability to bring funds to enforce back to the township,? said Groveland Township Supervisor Robert DePalma.
‘The way it’s structured right now, it goes to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department, which doesn’t do enforcement here.?
The proposed local liquor control ordinance is expected to bring in approximately $27,000 annually to the township coffers. The ordinance will be discussed at the April 12 Groveland Township meeting.
At Dirty’s, liquor violations have been an ongoing problem since last September. Michelle Majel Lowrie-Alsbach is the owner of Dirty’s Bar & Grill, a class ‘C? establishment which is also licensed under the name Majel LLL.
Lowrie’s husband, Thomas Alsbach, whom Lowrie says was ‘in charge? of the bar, was accused of violating Michigan’s Liquor Control Code by purchasing beer from a seller who isn’t a wholesaler. According to police reports, Alsbach admitted to giving the beer away for free’another violation’to ‘pretty girls to make them feel good.?
Other violations include serving intoxicated patrons, patrons driving under the influence of liquor after leaving Dirty’s, and assault and battery charges, in some cases involving Alsbach. Alsbach also violated commission orders stating he was not to be involved with the bar.
Michigan Assistant Attorney General Rosendo Asevedo was appraised of Dirty’s violations on Dec. 3, 2003, when he requested a show-cause hearing. The next week Asevedo granted the bar 90 days for discovery, a decision that displeased the Michigan State Police Groveland Post, the policy agency that has spent many hours in enforcing violations at the Dixie Highway bar.
By Dec. 12, 2003, the Michigan LCC was informed of a total of 27 violations. Despite a new allegation that Alsbach was offering to pay $100 to any witness who didn’t show up to testify, Lowrie’s attorney was able to postpone hearings.
On Feb. 24, 2004 the LCC settled the violations with Lowrie with the terms that she receive a seven-day license suspension, pay a $7,500 fine, sell the bar, and not allow Alsbach on the premises.
Criminal charges against Lowrie are also pending. Lowrie could not be reached for comment.