Minneapolis will consider proposal allowing brewpubs

A proposal that would help the city locate a new Surly brewery and entertainment complex in Minneapolis is up for discussion at a city council committee Monday.

Earlier this year, the state Legislature passed what came to be known as the Surly Bill. The law allows the Brooklyn Center-based beer maker to serve its beverages in the same building where the suds are made.

Surly plans to build a $20 million brewpub and restaurant; the location is yet to be determined. Regardless, cities first will need to adjust liquor regulations to accommodate the new business model.

The St. Paul City Council in July passed an ordinance that would allow local breweries to serve the beers they produce on site, opening the possibility for the city as a favorable site.

Minneapolis does not allow such service, but city officials want Surly's business and are ready to consider a similar ordinance.

St. Paul ensures that the city is doing all it can to attract companies such as Surly, and help existing local breweries that might benefit from the ordinance, said Richard Carlbom, spokesman for St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman.

"I can just say that I'm happy that St. Paul was first to get this done. It shows we're serious about helping businesses expand and remain healthy," Carlbom said. "Obviously, Minneapolis is going to follow us, and that's understandable."

Surly officials have yet to decide where it will build. A spokesman for Surly said the company is scouting locations and is "many miles away" from making a decision.

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