Beer/Booze Operations Mulled In West Hartford Ordinance

WEST HARTFORD, CT — The town could be an easier place for beer enthusiasts to get locally-brewed suds after the town council this week took steps toward an ordinance allowing such businesses, among other liquor operations.

The West Hartford Town Council is mulling a new ordinance that would permit the sale alcoholic liquor via Connecticut Craft Café Permits, which would be allowed in certain zoning districts.

Relatively new, such permits were created by the state Department of Consumer Protection's Liquor Control Division to aid retailers of locally-manufactured spirits, beers, wines, cider and mead.

Tuesday, council members unanimously scheduled a public hearing for 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 26, at West Hartford Town Hall to discuss and possibly vote on allowing such establishments in West Hartford.

In addition, the council voted to refer the ordinance proposal to the town's plan and zoning commission, which would have to legally add ordinance stipulations to its zoning regulations if the council approves the ordinance.

Town officials said the new ordinance is in line with West Hartford's plan of conservation and development.

That development blueprint calls for the town to "promote growth and retention of existing businesses and development of new business opportunities to strengthen the community's tax base," according to the ordinance.

In technical terms, the ordinance is a rewrite of an existing piece of local rules and includes the "Connecticut Craft Café Permit" language in the body of West Hartford regulations.

Essentially, the permit allows for retail operations serving such beverages to operate in town without serving food and/or hot meals.

It paves the way for microbrewery and other spirits operations, which are seen as an important tool in a community's economic growth.

For the full proposed ordinance, click on this link.

For more information on Connecticut Craft Café permits, click on this link.