BIRMINGHAM, Mich. – Birmingham police said they'll be stepping up patrols in the downtown area after shots rang out during a fight between two women earlier this week.
What happened:
Police said two women got into an argument and punches were thrown outside South Bar early Monday morning. One of the women went to a car that was nearby, pulled out a gun and fired. No one was seriously hurt and the woman turned herself into police after her picture was released to the public.
Previous story: 2 women brawl outside Birmingham bar
Birmingham police, city leaders respond
Chief of Police Don Studt said, "This type of dangerous behavior is unacceptable by any standard and will not be tolerated. The men and women of the Birmingham Police Department are committed to ensuring everyone can enjoy Birmingham safely."
A growing chorus of community members is calling for the revocation of the liquor license of the nightclub the suspect visited before the incident. Contrary to an online petition to that effect, the City does not have the authority to rescind the liquor license. City Attorney Tim Currier explained, "The Michigan Liquor Control Commission, not the City, issues liquor licenses and has the authority to revoke them. The City may file an objection to the renewal of a liquor license or a request for the revocation of liquor license with the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. However, the City cannot act unilaterally."
City Manager Robert Bruner further explained, "Objections to the renewal of a liquor license must be received by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission no later than March 31 annually so that is not an option until 2013. In the meantime, the City may file a request for the revocation of liquor license with the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. However, the City must first conduct an investigation, schedule a public hearing, serve the licensee with written notice of the public hearing at least ten days in advance, and hold the public hearing before making a determination. These actions have potentially significant consequences for both the City and the licensee so we will address the immediate public safety concerns by increasing police patrols while carefully and thoughtfully weighing our options."
The next regular City Commission meeting is scheduled for Monday.
This issue is not on the meeting agenda and will not be discussed in any detail until City staff conducts the required investigation.
"I think I speak for everyone in the City government when I say we understand how detrimental incidents like this can be to our community," Bruner said. "We are taking this incident seriously and are doing everything we can to ensure Birmingham is safe for everyone. However, the public should not expect City officials to make any further public comments on this incident until the investigation is complete."