Benton Township officials acknowledge parking lot parties

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- Late night parties in the parking lot of a Benton Township liquor store have gotten the attention of local officials.

Some locals call it "Club Meeks," but it's officially the public parking lot of Lion Express, and lately that parking lot has gotten a little rowdy. Not everyone loves Club Meeks as much as those attending it.

ABC57 spoke with Eddie Anderson, who's been a big part of these get togethers. He says people are misled about him and his fellow partygoers:

"Two nights of the week, it's open until two, but you can't make a big deal about that, people say they're out there too late, it's too late for that many people to be out, but Just Like Momma's stays open until two, Marathon closes at two, and people are at those spots and no one has a problem with those spots or those spots fighting, so it seems like a target."

Nearly ten days ago, the Benton Township attorney sent a letter to those in charge at Lion Express, threatening to remove their liquor license due to loitering, illegal consumption of alcohol, and disorderly conduct. Anderson says the disorderly conduct allegations are overblown.

"All these fights, you have them in Berrien homes, they just had a big fight that was on the internet that happened at the Phillips 66, this happens everywhere people gather, and then I look at it like it's not really a big deal because the party we have shuts down at 12 most nights throughout the week," said Anderson.

While no township law enforcement officials were able to speak on camera today, others say it's calmed down lately. Anderson says fights are rare, and those who do fight are told to leave and not come back.

"We're bringing the liquor store money, the guys that work on the inside, they don't have a problem with it but they're just the cashiers, remember that, just the cashiers, the guys that are up in there that we're dealing with."