Brewpubs and microbreweries have become a popular industry throughout the country. This is associated with the “locavore” movement (farm-to-table, locally-sourced ingredients, etc.). Historically, larger manufacturers of alcohol have been classified as industrial uses in local and state regulations. Local interest in these uses has generated the need to amend these rules, as smaller versions of these businesses contribute towards tourism, nighttime economy and enticing visitors to the City.

Staff reviewed regulations from Pinellas County to determine the appropriate location for brewpubs and microbreweries in the City. The ordinance amends the Land Development Code to allow brewpubs and microbreweries as permitted uses in multiple zoning districts. Brewpubs are considered a retail commercial use with an ancillary light manufacturing (brewing) component. They are proposed as permitted uses in the C-2, Highway Commercial, Downtown and Light Industrial Zoning Districts. Microbreweries are considered to have a more considerable brewing operation and are proposed as permitted uses in the Highway Commercial and Light Industrial Zoning Districts.

The ordinance also provides definitions for brewpubs and microbreweries. Brewpubs are defined as “(a)n establishment that is primarily a restaurant or bar, but which includes the brewing of beer as an accessory use. A brewpub produces only enough beer for consumption on the premises or for retail carryout sale in containers commonly referred to as growlers, which is an individual container that holds 32, 64, or 128 ounces. Brewpubs may sell beer in an unlimited number of keg containers larger than a U.S. gallon for special events, the primary purpose of which is the exposition of beers brewed by brewpubs and microbreweries, which include the participation of at least three such brewers; and for City co-sponsored events where the purpose of the event is not for commercial profit and where the beer is not wholesaled to the event co-sponsors but is instead dispensed by employees of the brewpub.” A microbrewery is defined as “(an establishment that is primarily a brewery, which produces no more than 15,000 barrels (465,000 U.S. gallons) of beer per year, and includes either a restaurant, bar or taproom as an accessory use. A microbrewery may also include a beer garden as an accessory use. A microbrewery sells to the general public by one or more of the following methods: the traditional three-tier system (brewer to wholesaler to retailer to consumer); the two-tier system (brewer acting as wholesaler to retailer to consumer); and directly to the consumer for consumption on the premises or for retail carryout sale.”

The proposed new language is shown with underlining and deleted language is shown with strikethrough. 

Compatibility with Comprehensive Plan:

The proposal is consistent with the following Comprehensive Plan objectives and policies:

• Future Land Use Element Policy 1.1.2 - To implement this Comprehensive Plan, the City shall continue to implement land development regulations that contain specific and detailed provisions…

• Future Land Use Element Objective 1.3 - Design commercial development that is compatible with environmental and economic resources, enhances access and circulation, results in a positive and attractive built environment and will be in keeping with the needs and character of the community.

• Future Land Use Element Policy 1.3.2 - The City shall promote commercial development that serves to maintain or enhance the economic health of the City, and to increase job opportunities, per capita income and convenience for residents.