St. Cloud Brewery Getting Ready to Take Advantage of New Ordinance

(KNSI) – A St. Cloud beer maker is getting ready to take advantage of a new ordinance passed by the city council on Monday night.

St. Cloud approved an amendment to its liquor ordinance to conform with the Minnesota Legislature’s “Free the Growler” law, passed in May. The new regulation allows breweries to sell up to 128 ounces of prepackaged beer per day if the brewery produces less than 7,500 barrels of beer a year.

Beaver Island Brewing Company co-owner Nick Barth says customers will be able to bring six-packs home by October 1st, just in time for Oktoberfest.

Jake Judd KNSI News

“It’s an exciting time. I think it allows us the ability to sell some more products. We’re right next to the wine shop on 6th Avenue in downtown St Cloud. And you can’t believe how many customers ask, ‘Can I get a six pack of this?’ And we say, ‘Unfortunately no, you can’t. You’ll have to go next door to the wine shop.'”

Barth plans to allow customers to make a six pack with various beers, almost like bringing the taproom home.

“This would allow customers the ability to buy one or two cans of something and enjoy it. And that’s really what the taproom is for. It is really designed as a place for people to come and taste and really become familiar with our brand.”

Barth says he expects prepacked sales out of the taproom to be a small percentage of its sales. The ordinance will get a second reading next month before being officially adopted.

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