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Brewery Policies and Planning

Since taking office in 2019, Mayor Brodeur has been eager to establish a local process in Melrose to allow for the operation of breweries within City limits. With a reputation as a destination business, breweries help draw visitors from a wide geographical area, which benefits other local businesses, and generates new meals tax dollars for a community. The following is work to date under the Brodeur Administration to make this happen:

  • The initial step in moving Melrose towards this goal, was for the Melrose City Council to accept Massachusetts General Laws. c. 138, § 19C.1 This statute addresses Farmers Brewery Licenses, the state license which must be issued to breweries prior to their operation within City/Town limits in Massachusetts. Generally, such a license allows the business to manufacture and sell at retail those products produced by the brewer.
  • The City Council accepted the statute in May 2023, which opened the door for the next parts in the local process to occur: the necessary Melrose Zoning ordinance changes being made to allow for this new intended use/ business within City limits, and the Melrose Liquor Licensing Commission considering, reviewing, and potentially adopting local Liquor Licensing regulations for the local issuance of Farmer Series Pouring Permits.
  • In August 2023, the Planning Board drafted and recommended zoning amendments to allow for this new intended use/ business within City limits. A joint public hearing by the Planning Board and the City Council was held on August 14, 2023 and on September 21, 2023 the City Council approved the zoning amendments. The zoning amendment identifies districts where breweries with distribution and breweries without distribution could locate either by-right or by special permit. 
    • The primary purpose of breweries without distribution is to produce and serve beer, to be consumed on premise, that would provide an amenity to the community and contribute to the City’s existing mixed-use areas. These establishments are allowed by-right in the City’s existing commercial districts where the goal is to have a vibrant blend of retail, commercial and residential uses with easy access to public transportation and pedestrian and bicycle friendly streets. Restaurants that currently serve alcohol are already allowed in these districts. Breweries without distribution would also be allowed in the industrial districts.
    • Breweries with distribution will be required to apply for a special permit in the higher intensity business districts, which will enable the Planning Board to review a proposal’s potential impacts and decide based on the proposed location. In the industrial districts, breweries with distribution are allowed by-right as this type of use fits within the goals of the district and businesses would have access to regional routes and highways.
  • In November 2023, the Liquor Licensing Commission began considering, reviewing, and adopting Liquor Licensing regulations for the local issuance of Farmer Series Pouring Permits. This local pouring permit is required to allow for a Farmer Brewer Licensee to pour its own beer on-premises for sale and sampling to the public. To that end I request the Commission consider proposed regulations as a starting point for creating a Farmer Series Pouring Permit.
    • The Liquor Licensing Commission met on November 16, 2023 and is scheduled to meet on December 4, 2023.