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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—AUGUST 20, 2012 6 <br /> City Planner Beekman noted that the City has received a proposal from Bent Brewstillery to <br /> open a brewery and distillery in the B-4 Zoning District at 1160 Red Fox Road. A taproom for the <br /> consumption of on-sale beer brewed on site, as well as off-sale sales of growlers and 750 milliliter <br /> bottles, would also be included in the plan. <br /> City Planner Beekman introduced Bartley Blume. <br /> Bartley Blume, Bent Brewstillery, stated that he has done a lot of research and he feels that the <br /> City of Arden Hills is a great location to open a brewery taproom. He indicated that he plans to <br /> keep his day job right now and will do the craft brewery after hours. He has been offered a good <br /> lease and he would like to start his business here. He noted that microdistillery is not significant <br /> in Minnesota, in fact, Osakis is the only city with a microdistillery. He feels this type of business <br /> is complimentary to the area. <br /> Councilmember Tamble inquired how this business concept is different than Barley Johns. <br /> Mr. Blume stated that Barley Johns is a restaurant/brewery and at this time, he will not be serving <br /> food at his establishment. <br /> Mr. Blume explained that he would like to design his brewery and distillery so that the beer <br /> brewing equipment is visible as soon as a person walks in. He would like to blend in seating and <br /> make it a comfortable area that makes people feel welcome. He said that he loves to entertain <br /> people and he would treat this business as an extension of his home. <br /> Councilmember Holden inquired if a brewery/distillery is treated as a bar. <br /> City Planner Beekman stated that the business would operate under a taproom license, and <br /> would include an on-sale taproom license allowing the sale of microbrews brewed on-site only; as <br /> well as an off-sale license that would be available for the predetermined sized bottles of beer. <br /> Councilmember Holden inquired how many liquor licenses are available in the City. <br /> Director of Finance and Administrative Services Iverson noted that staff can review how many <br /> licenses there currently are and how many are still available. <br /> Councilmember Holden questioned if there is an odor when beer is being brewed and distilled. <br /> Mr. Blume stated that on a large scale, yes, there would be an odor. However, he does not <br /> anticipate an odor for the smaller scale project that he would have. <br /> Councilmember Holden asked what the hours of operation would be. <br /> Mr. Blume indicated that the business would not open before 3:00 p.m. and it would close at <br /> 10:00 p.m. On Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, he anticipates that he might open a little earlier <br /> than 3:00 p.m. <br />