[Southsider2k12]

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?Sectio...amp;TM=61855.25

Muni may have beer, wine for sale by mid-June

Laurie Wink
The News-Dispatch

MICHIGAN CITY - Michigan City Municipal Golf Course may begin selling beer and wine this summer, as most golf courses already do.

The City Council has supported the sale of beer and wine at Municipal by approving an ordinance that appropriated $21,800 to account for the new service. State approval is all that remains, said golf course superintendent Jason Richardson, who expects that to happen by mid-June. Indiana has a special provision allowing golf courses to serve alcohol on Sundays.

"It's a service that we'd like to start providing that other courses already provide," Richardson said. "I think we're lagging behind."

He said regular players at "muni," as it's sometimes called, have told him they would appreciate the convenience of having beer and wine available to purchase, rather than taking their own refreshments and keeping them cold.

"Most regular players always wondered why we haven't done it in the past," Richardson said.

Some golfers drink during play or afterward, in the parking lot or the shelter, Richardson said. The BYOB policy will end once the final approval is given for the beverage service, he said.

At-Large Councilman Joe Doyle sponsored the ordinance and said the idea of selling beer and wine has been discussed for years. Doyle has been a Park Board member and now is the council liaison to the board.

"I'm glad to see them do it," Doyle said. "Many times, people came to the course and said it would be nice if we had it (alcohol service)."

Opinions among a few golfers at the course Wednesday afternoon were mixed.

Don Montgomery said he probably wouldn't purchase beer or wine. Harrison Holtkamp said it didn't matter to him.

"I think we're out here to play golf," he explained.

His golf partner, Chris Milcarek, was more enthusiastic.

"It sounds good," he said. "It's always nice to be at the course and be offered a refreshment."

Richardson expects beer sales to be more than double the wine sales. He said wine will be offered in one-serving bottles.

Richardson hopes the availability of the alcoholic beverages on site will encourage golfers to stay around and socialize.

"I would like to see more interest in hanging around the club area," Richardson said. He plans to make the atmosphere more inviting by putting out umbrella-covered tables on the concrete pads outside the clubhouse.

The $21,800 appropriation includes $16,500 for equipment and supplies; $3,600 for bartender training, alcohol permits and alcohol liability insurance; and another $1,700 to purchase additional refrigerators. Richardson said he will not have to hire additional staff to handle the new beverage service.

Soon, when he watches golfers drinking beer, he can think about the revenue going into golf course operations, instead of thinking about lost opportunities.

"I think it will take about a year to get our feet wet and get everyone adjusted to buying from us, instead of bringing their own," Richardson said. "We're always trying to cut our budget, but we need to also find ways to increase our revenue."

q

Contact Laurie Wink at lwink@thenewsdispatch.com.

[Ang]

One of our golf courses hosts the Chamber of Commerce's "Business after hours", which is a catered get together for all employees of businesses that belong to the Chamber. I think it's held the third Thursday of the month and you have to buy tickets to get in.
People get to experience the golf club and so they end up going there to socialize and not just to play golf.

[Michelle]

I'm surprised they didn't have alcohol sales already. Hopefully that new revenue source will help out their financial situation.

[Ang]

Yeah, me too

[montana]

Glad they woke up. About time.

[taxthedeer]

I've noticed that "The Duke" convenience store and gas station on School St. & the Boulevard has applied for a liquor permit.

[JHeath]

I believe that they not have the permit. Barker Woods Enrichment Ctr is hosting a golf outing there on Sept 22nd, and has been told that this was the case. (btw, if anyone wants to sponsor or play in the outing, PM me for more info).