Minneapolis to vote on brewpub ordinance next week

Several local beer-makers show interest in a new liquor license that would allow them to serve beer straight from the brewery, Minneapolis city officials said.

The city council's regulatory services committee Monday approved a change to the city's liquor license ordinance that aligns city law with a state law passed earlier this year. The law was informally named after the Brooklyn Center-based beermaker Surly. The full council will vote on the ordinance change next week.

Surly proposes to build a new $20 million brewery with a taproom, but hasn't chosen a location. Council member Elizabeth Glidden says Minneapolis is rolling out the welcome mat to Surly and other beermakers.

"Obviously this is a big shift in MInnesota state law, so we are excited in Minneapolis to be able to take advantage of this change in law that also produces some really exciting economic development opportunities for businesses," Glidden said. "And we hope more come to the city of Minneapolis."

Jim Diley, with Minneapolis-based Fulton Beer, believes the taproom ordinance will help boost the city's economy.

"When we look at similar beer cities, such as Portland, Oregon; Seattle, Washington; Denver, Colo.; we can see the great impact of these small breweries and tourism from regional and national visitors," Diley said.

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