Dexter Village Council Approves Aubree's Pizzeria Request for Extended Hours

A request from to be open for extended hours for special occasions such as Dexter Daze and other community events was approved by the Dexter Village Council on Monday.

The council approved the restaurant's request to serve alcohol indoors until 2 a.m. and food until 4 a.m. per state mandated law. However, the restaurant's outdoor seating area will still close at midnight due to the village's outdoor seating regulations.

"I was concerned that Aubree's might think that it can serve (alcohol and food) anywhere until whatever time the liquor license in the State of Michigan allows, and that's not true of our outdoor seating restriction," village president Shawn Keough said. "This council has not had the discussion of whether or not we want to extend the hours of outdoor seating beyond midnight."

Aubree's liquor license says the restaurant's normal hours are Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Last year the pizzeria tried to extend its hours to accommodate Dexter Daze festival traffic, however it was told that violated its liquor license application and had to close at its normal time.

"We appreciate the restrictions that maintain the quality of the downtown area, and we are proud to contribute to the established high standards. From time-to-time in response to community events, we feel extending our hours will not jeopardize the fine standards maintained by the Village of Dexter," operating manager Amy Bulszewicz said in a letter to the council.

Trustee Donna Fisher said she would prefer the restaurant inform the village prior to hosting a special event with extended hours.

"I believe if they want to say any night is a special occasion, they can legally do that," trustee Paul Cousins said. "If a group of ball players comes in to the restaurant at 11 p.m. and the owners have to apply for a special permit every time to stay open, then we're not very business friendly."