Suzy Ageton George Karakehian KC Becker Tim ... - City of Boulder

owners can be heard, the local infrastructure can be improved on a small, targeted scale to
accommodate the new use. But the proposed amendment would upset this balance. By giving
breweries, distilleries, and wineries the right to build restaurants in industrial areas, the exception
is elevated to the rule. The city will have fewer opportunities in that case to ensure that
restaurant operations will be safe and beneficial to the community and that such operations will
not be ruinous to established industrial users.
The great success of the micro-brewery and winery industries in this community shows just
how little the city needs to change in order to support these interests. Restaurants are notoriously
difficult businesses to build successfully. Should the city alter the Land Use Code, permit a use
adverse to industrial businesses, and risk grave effects on the industrial economy all for a gamble
on a few restaurants?
I say no.
Thank You,
Matthew Tindle, Esquire
CO Bar# 40671
Dear Planning Board,
I’m writing in support of the Brewery, Winery and Distillery ordinance as written. The
Denver/Boulder area has become known as the “Napa Valley” of microbreweries, and for good
reason. The craft beer that is turned out by the area is among the best in the world. Boulder
should be proud to support brewers and distillers such as Asher, Upslope, Avery, Boulder Beer,
Twisted Pine, 303 Vodka, Redstone Meadery, Bookcliff Vineyards and others.
Unfortunately, the Land Use Code Does not support the serving of food within the industrial
districts – the only zone where these uses are really allowed. Since the right to have a tap room
(otherwise known as a
“bar”) is protected under state law for these uses, the land use code effectively bans food in
industrial districts, but allows the sales of alcohol. This is a bad business model, as it does not
allow our much loved breweries and vintners to keep up with the national model (seen in such
cities as San Francisco, Denver, Portland, Durango and throughout the country). Just as
importantly, it forces the focus in the tap rooms to be entirely on drinking. Allowing restaurants
instead of just bars would make these businesses more family friendly, more community based,
and frankly – more fun.
Please pass this ordinance and allow food in our community’s tap rooms.
It’s better for everyone.Thanks for your time.
Cheers,
Matt Cutter
Founder
matt@upslopebrewing.com
C 720/227-5722
Agenda Item 5B Page 48