Politics & Government

Duluth to Allow Sale of Draft 'Beer-to-Go' in Growlers

Proposed growler shop would fill glass containers with draft beer for customers to carry home.

The Duluth City Council tweaked the city’s Alcoholic Beverage Ordinance Monday (July 11) to allow retail package shops selling “growlers” of draft beer to operate in Duluth. Long-time Duluth resident Greg Lindquist has proposed to open a growler shop in Duluth. Lindquist told the council he is working with Duluth Economic Development Manager Chris McGahee to find a location.

Lindquist appeared before the council to explain the growler concept.  The growler, a 32- or 64-oz. glass container, is filled with a draft beer of the customer’s choice to carry home. The container is topped with a screw cap to preserve freshness then sealed to comply with the prohibition against open containers. No consumption is allowed on the premises. 

The growler got its name from the practice of customers carrying home fresh beer from pubs in galvanized pails with lids during the late 1800s and early 1900s. As the beer sloshed around in the pail and carbon dioxide escaped through the lid, a growling sound was produced. Children used to bring buckets of draft beer, known as “rushing the growler,” to workers at lunchtime or their parents at dinnertime.

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The growler, Lindquist said, appeals to the “beer nerd” who appreciates fine draft beers. Lindquist plans to carry 25 to 35 kegs of “craft beers” and limited edition beers available only on tap from a keg. The kegs would be purchased from authorized wholesale distributors. 

No sampling of beers is allowed prior to purchase. Lindquist said he plans to overcome this by inquiring about customer’s beer preferences and describing beer and ale qualities. Often customers will buy the smaller container of beer to try and return to purchase the larger half-gallon size if they like it, he said. After being opened, the beer must be refrigerated and drunk by the next day or so. 

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A new type of business in Georgia, growler shops have opened in Athens, Decatur and Avondale Estates, according to the agenda for the Duluth City Council meeting.

Council to review city project costs, funding availability

The council plans to review a report being prepared by city staff on the cost of city projects and funding availability at its August work session. Based on the figures, the council will prioritize proposed projects. After a lengthy discussion Monday, the council voted 3-1 to approve an additional $633,000 to cover the cost of constructing a roundabout linking the proposed Hospital Connector with McClure Road, West Lawrenceville Street, and Irvindale Road.

“We can’t continue to underestimate and overspend,” said Councilman Billy Jones, “or we’re going to run out of SPLOST money.” The funds were transferred from the Hospital Connector project.

The estimated construction cost for the roundabout was on target, according to Duluth Planning Director Glenn Coyne. The additional funds are needed for right-of-way, legal costs and utility relocation, Coyne explained. “We are trying to work with the contractor to reduce costs,” he said. Roundabout funding was diminished after the council separated it from the Hospital Connector project, Coyne said.

Jones, who also said he was “not a fan” of the roundabout and preferred a four-way intersection, voted against the line item transfer.

Special-use permit for Epic Faith Church concert approved

The council granted a special-use permit to Epic Faith Church located at 2650 Olde Towne Parkway for a benefit concert Saturday, July 23. The concert on the church grounds will feature high school musicians. The permit was required to allow the church to operate a loudspeaker within 1,000 feet of a residential area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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