Benton Harbor City Commissioners have given the green light to a liquor license for a new cigar lounge planned for the Arts District.

At this week’s commission meeting, the city commission approved an application for a liquor license from Shoreline Stixx, described as a “luxury cigar bar and lounge” planned for 120 Water Street. Commissioner Ethel Clark-Griffin took issue with that, pointing out commissioners have expressed their opposition to allowing more alcohol in the city.

“Three years ago, before I even took my seat, they were saying it was too many,” Clark-Griffin said. “They don’t want any more liquor licenses. They want to give out no more liquor licenses. But now, tonight, you just got approved to give cigar liquor license.”

Griffin said commissioners should protect the health of residents.

Mayor Marcus Muhammad said the city was merely approving what’s already allowed under its zoning rules, and that the state controls liquor licenses.

“The city of Benton Harbor does not authorize liquor licensing,” Muhammad said. “That’s done by the state of Michigan. So they will still have to apply for that licensing, not from the city, but from the state.”

Commissioners last year asked the state to stop giving liquor licenses to gas stations and party stores. The commission’s resolution from this week says the body “has no intent to deny the Benton Harbor community the appropriate use of a liquor license when this tool can facilitate economic development goals and business objectives of the city.”

Shoreline Stixx owners Darien and Carla Smith say their business will be “a high-end bar/lounge” that will include the renovation of a vacant building. It will allow cigars only. So, cigarette or marijuana smoking and vaping will be prohibited.

The total investment will be in excess of $1.1 million, and the Smiths are currently finalizing their purchase of the building.