Microbreweries in Mpls. can be closer to churches after council action

New breweries and neighborhood restaurants serving alcohol in Minneapolis will find it easier to cozy up next to churches under a measure approved Friday.

The City Council voted to loosen a rule that requires businesses that serve alcohol to open at least 300 feet from a house of worship.

City Council Member Don Samuels changed his vote to support the measure after a visit to the new Fulton Brewery, which opened downtown Friday. Samuels said the brewery was more like a chemistry lab than a bar.

"You don't go there to pick up chicks. It's not going to have that kind of crowd, full of testosterone," he said. "I think the church can take comfort in that, that when people leave in good behavior. They will have just left an experience of awe."

City officials say they want to provide more opportunities for the growing number of craft breweries interested in Minneapolis.