Council deadlocks on spirits at Blues in the Woods; motion fails on tie vote

Harper Woods — The City Council voted on whether to authorize the sale of liquor (spirits) at the 2025 Blues in the Woods festival and the motion failed on a tied roll call vote.

The clerk read a resolution seeking council approval to provide for the sale of liquor at the Blues in the Woods Festival on Aug. 23, 2025, and to authorize the mayor and city manager to sign the application. Some council members said beer and wine would be adequate for a family-friendly event and raised dram-shop liability concerns, insurance cost questions and whether spirits were necessary. Councilwoman Sawicki said, “I don't see a need to have spirits being served... I think it's just gonna add to our liability.”

Other council members and staff recalled last year's festival, saying there were no incidents and that professional bartenders, a $5 million general liability policy and police presence would mitigate risk. One councilmember said, “They don't have people nobody got drunk and made a fool of themselves last year.”

Roll call after debate produced an even split: Councilwoman LaPratt voted No; Councilwoman Sawicki voted No; Councilman Tucson voted Yes; Mayor Pro Tem Williams voted Yes; Mayor Kendall voted Yes; Councilman Jenny voted No. The 3'to'3 tally resulted in a tied vote and the motion failed.

Council discussion after the vote included an offer to revisit a modified authorization limited to beer and wine, but the motion on the floor failed and the item was no longer on the table at the meeting's close.