Liquor licenses must have a specific property associated with them before the application process may commence. File an application with the City of Portage along with a fee of $850, and file an application with the State of Michigan Liquor Control Commission along with an inspection fee of $70. There are other fees charged by the state depending on the type of license(s) being sought and services being provided. The State of Michigan Liquor Control Commission has a listing of all Class C liquor licenses available in the County which is what you will need to serve alcohol in your place of business.
You may transfer a license into Portage from another municipality, and some licenses can be found in escrow. Liquor licenses are a commodity and have a market price associated with them, and the State currently offers Class C Licenses for $20,000 if locating within a Downtown Development Authority (DDA). Resort Licenses for qualified applicants are also available. The only DDA in Portage is located generally along Westnedge Avenue north of I-94 and south of Kilgore Road. You may call the Michigan State Liquor Control Commission for further information at 517-322-1400.