Business Licenses and Permits:: Published by Corporation Service Company » Blog Archive » Cinema and restaurant in question over business license

Plans to construct a movie theater and restaurant in Okemos, Michigan, have been put into question over concerns about a business license.

The American Theatre Corporation is set to open a Cinema Grill where customers can watch a movie and dine at tables, but the company has a history of legal problems, the Lansing State Journal reported.

Company president James Duffy has launched 22 projects across the U.S. since 2004, but just eight theaters opened and only two stayed open for more than one year. Mr. Duffy has also been sued in the past over unpaid bills and fraud allegations.

Now, the Michigan Liquor Control Commission has been forced to decline a liquor business license request for the establishment.

The news provider stated that Meridian Township officials have also been criticized for choosing Cinema Grill over other applicants in the initial licensing process, although they made the decision before reports of troubles were revealed.

American Theatre Corp. had planned to spend $1.8 million on the project.