Council backs Warner Vineyards tasting room license after brief public hearing

City council opened a public hearing on an on‑premises tasting room application for Warner Vineyards at 515 William Street (Sweet 11). Applicant Patrick Warner said the business has served on‑site alcohol in the past and that the application request is to restore a previously authorized outdoor service area that was inadvertently removed from the license.

“We've had this on‑site for 15 years — all we're doing is trying to resubmit this exact same thing,” Patrick Warner told the council, explaining the operation will serve wine and small amounts of beer produced on site and will use controls such as signage and limited service areas. Neighbors asked clarifying questions about outdoor seating and brewing practices; Warner said brewing is small‑scale and most product is produced in house.

Council adopted Resolution 2026‑30 recommending the Michigan Liquor Control Commission grant the on‑premises tasting room license for Warner Vineyards at Sweet 11. The resolution will be forwarded to the MLCC as the council's formal recommendation.