Township Board Votes 4-2 To Recommend Revoking Supervisor's Winery License
COMSTOCK TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A divided Comstock Township board voted Tuesday night to formally recommend that the Michigan Liquor Control Commission revoke the winery and tasting room license held by Soil Friends LLC, a farm and cidery owned by township Supervisor Ben Martin.
The decision came after a special board meeting that had been rescheduled and relocated from the township hall to Comstock High School auditorium in anticipation of a large turnout. About three hours after the meeting started, the board cast its votes on the controversial matter.
Clerk Nicole Beauchamp, Trustees Kristie Cherry, Terry McIver, and Bob Pratt all voted yes to recommend license revocation. Treasurer Sandy Bloomfield and Trustee Jerry Amos voted no. Supervisor Ben Martin abstained from the vote.
The board's decision does not revoke the license outright, but approves a formal recommendation to revoke Martin's license be sent to the MLCC, which has final authority.
Ordinance Violation Sparks Legal Battle
The board's action finds Martin in violation of Ordinance 27.00, a 1983 rule that prohibits township board members from holding a liquor license or having any interest in manufacturing alcoholic liquor.
Sarah Martin, Soil Friends co-owner and Ben's wife, told the board during the hearing that the ordinance interpretation is being applied to a situation it was not intended for.
"The Martins and their supporters insist that the ordinance does not apply because Soil Friends holds a state-issued small winemaker's manufacturing license, not a retail liquor license, which they argue that those are different categories under state law," according to WWMT News Channel 3.
Recall Effort Intensifies
The licensing controversy comes amid an active recall effort against Martin. Voters had gathered in large numbers at the township meeting, signaling strong community support for removing the supervisor from office.
The recall movement has focused on Martin's ownership of Soil Friends, which operates both a cidery and winery on township property. Critics argue this creates a conflict of interest and violates the spirit of local governance.
Supporters of Martin maintain that the state license he holds falls under different regulations than the ordinance the board is enforcing. They argue the local board should not have authority over state-issued manufacturing licenses.
What Comes Next
The MLCC will now review the board's recommendation and make its own determination. The commission has final authority over liquor licenses in Michigan and will weigh the board's concerns against state law regarding manufacturing licenses.
Meanwhile, the recall effort continues to gain momentum. Community members have expressed strong opinions about the matter, with some viewing the licensing issue as a clear violation of local ethics ordinances.
The situation has drawn attention from across Kalamazoo County, with neighboring townships watching how the board handles the controversy.
Community Divided
The split vote reflects the deep divisions in the community. Those supporting the board's action cite the need for accountability and adherence to local ordinances. Opponents argue the board is overstepping its authority and threatening a small business that operates within state regulations.
The high turnout at the special meeting demonstrated that this issue resonates deeply with residents. Whether the board's recommendation leads to license revocation or a settlement remains to be seen.
For now, the Comstock Township board has set in motion a process that could fundamentally change the relationship between local governance and state licensing authority in the township.