Michigan Liquor Control Suspends Licenses at Grand Rapids, Lansing Bars

Two Michigan establishments, Flanagan's Irish Pub in Grand Rapids and Bobcat Bonnie's in Lansing, have had their liquor licenses suspended due to unpaid fines related to bounced payments for alcoholic beverages. Flanagan's Irish Pub, a downtown Grand Rapids staple since 1981 now owned by Ben and Martha Penrod, received a 50-day suspension from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) after failing to pay $1,000 in fines for multiple insufficient fund payments to wholesalers. The pub displayed signs indicating a temporary closure with plans to reopen, but the suspension remains until fines are settled. Meanwhile, Bobcat Bonnie's Lansing location also faced suspension for dishonored payments amounting to over $1,300 in fines and unpaid spirits purchases, with the license suspension effective after the payment deadline passed. The Lansing site is the last Bobcat Bonnie's location after a series of closures in other cities, and the owner, Matthew Buskard, faces additional financial and legal issues, including tax liens and accusations of writing bad checks to employees. Both businesses have yet to publicly comment on their suspensions, and their futures remain uncertain amid these regulatory and financial challenges.