Royal Oak

Fifth Avenue granted dance permit, revised business plan

By Heidi Roman
C & G Staff Writer

ROYAL OAK — Customers at Fifth Avenue in Royal Oak can legally cut a rug, after the City Commission agreed to allow dancing as part of the business’ request to change its plan of operation.

Fifth Avenue will utilize a 10-by-10-foot dance floor on the first floor, and a 10-by-14-foot dance floor on the second floor when the upper level is open. It will also extend its hours of operation and seasonal outdoor service use.

The City Commission approved the proposal Jan. 23 with a 5-2 vote, with Mayor Pro Tem Capello and Commissioner Dave Poulton opposing.

Fifth Avenue’s owners say they have been under intense scrutiny since the change in management in 2010, but have established a record in the community of which they are proud. According to police, there were no problems on the five occasions last year that a temporary dance permit was granted.

“Overall, the management team has done a good job at the establishment,” Lt. Tom Goad said at a Liquor Control Committee (LCC) meeting in January. “Fifth Avenue has not caused a significant strain on this department.”

The Police Department has a policy of recommending denial of any additional permits while the police staff is at critical levels. At the LCC meeting, the committee recommended approval of the change of operation, but not the dance permit.

Several residents spoke in favor of Fifth Avenue’s request before the City Commission meeting last week, and some even threw out comparisons to the 1980s film about a town that outlawed dancing.

“I hate to sound cliché, but to say you’re not going to allow dancing there takes me back to something like ‘Footloose,’” said Samantha Glover, a DJ with Shea Sounds. “I hate to use a movie as an example, but seriously, that’s what it feels like.”

Some commissioners echoed that sentiment.

“This whole argument that dancing leads to vice, I don’t buy it,” said Commissioner Jim Rasor. “I’m tired of the fear of things like this ruining good decisions against operators who have a proven track record.”

Capello and Poulton said they would like to see Fifth Avenue’s good track record continue a bit longer before approving additional permits.

“Adding the dance permit will bring more people in there,” Capello said. “It can lead to more people exiting into the street. Already I’m told by residents in the area it’s a dangerous situation.”

Commissioner Peggy Goodwin said she would be happy to see the variety of live music that Fifth Avenue promises.

“I think they’re trying to differentiate themselves and do something a little more culturally attractive for consumers,” she said.
 

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Heidi Roman at hroman@candgnews.com or at (586)218-5006.