Decatur Clears Way for Craft Beer Brewing

The ordinance that in Decatur may have to be amended to allow a craft distillery.

Assistant City Manager Lyn Menne said Monday night that someone who wants to open a distillery has approached the city.

It's not allowable now under city ordinances but that's the kind of business Decatur wants to encourage, she said.

"It's the new trend," Menne said.

The city commission voted 5-0 to amend the city zoning ordinance to allow craft beer brewing in the area. Three Taverns and Blue Tarp Brewing want to start making craft beer there.

These breweries want to sell beer on the retail level. The amendment will not affect Twain's, which is a microbrewery and does not sell off premises.