Royal Scot set for court after flouting COVID-19 laws

Clinton County bowling alley set for Jan. 7 appeal hearing

THURSDAY, Dec. 17 — Royal Scot Bowling and Golfing Center will have an opportunity early next month to appeal to an administrative law judge a recent  state decison that revoked the bowling alley’s food license and prevents it from serving food. 

A spokesman for the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs confirmed today that the Clinton County bowling alley is scheduled for a hearing with an administrative law judge at 9 a.m. on Jan. 7, 2021. At the hearing, the owners can challenge the recent revocation of their food license and make their case for why they’ve been flouting pandemic precautions in recent weeks.

Under a Dec. 7 order from the Michigan Department of Agricutlure and Rural Development, the business has been ordered to stop serving food until further notice. Epidemic orders from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services also blocks bowling alleys from operating statewide — including Royal Scot — until at least Dec. 20. Still, City Pulse captured video of the business serving food and allowing maskless guests to bowl on Dec. 11 and 12. Management eventually asked our reporters to leave.

A spokeswoman for the Michigan Liquor Control Commission, which obtained an agreement of  45-day license suspension and a $1,500 fine imposed against the business this week, said Royal Scot is still expected to follow all laws and cease-and-desist orders. Failure to adhere to those regulations could result in criminal prosecution as well as a revocation of the business’ liquor licenses. 

Check back for continued coverage as it becomes available.