Due to the lack of a building, the Palazzo di Bocce doesn’t have a liquor license yet, but would like to have its request amended to include a Specially Designated Merchant (SDM) license to be able to sell Italian wine for takeout.
Owner Anthony Battaglia, who is constructing the restaurant/bocce club on Lapeer Road, told Orion Township trusteesOn Nov. 3 he had overlooked the SDM license when he made his original liquor license request over the summer.
“Not knowing I would have to apply and pay another $1,000,” he said. “We’re selling Italian wines, and some people might like to purchase some to take home. If I can’t get this, I won’t worry about it.”
Battaglia’s current liquor license has yet to be approved, pending the construction of his building and a satisfactory inspection by Orion Township Building Official Tom Berger.
“It wouldn’t be any burden for me to add an SDM (license) on top of it,” Berger said. “It’s not anything extra for the fire marshall or myself.”
Treasurer Jim Marleau said he had called the Liquor Control Commission to see if the state would allow them to amend Battaglia’s liquor license to include the SDM designation.
“I was told the state still has his license, until the building goes up,” he said. “I think we should amend the old resolution passed on July 17 to add the SDM license and send it to the state as an amended request.”
The board agreed to include the SDM license on Battaglia’s application, and to not make him pay another $1,000 (non-refundable liquor license application fee) for it.