The city of Ringgold is rewording its alcohol ordinance to include a new definition: microbreweries.
The first reading of the new wording was approved during the April 24 city council meeting. Mayor Nick Millwood said he expects the second reading to be approved at the May 8 meeting, when licensing fees for microbreweries will also be determined.
"It's a growing trend across the state," Millwood said of microbreweries, which according to U.S. regulations can make no more than 15,000 barrels of beer per year, are taxed less heavily than larger brewers and have limited distribution. "We're happy that businesses are looking to bring that to our city. It's just a simple wording change."
The local legislation comes on the heels of the passing of state Senate Bill 85, which will change regulations so craft breweries can sell beer directly to consumers on-site starting Sept. 1. Previously, brewers could only sell tours and offer tastings of their products on-site.
The new local ordinance will also allow businesses where alcohol is served to stay open later during holidays such as Cinco de Mayo or St. Patrick's Day, and the portion of the current ordinance that requires businesses to serve food in order to sell alcohol has been removed.
Ringgold's new ordinance also adds Patriot Hall as a venue that can serve alcohol during events, provided that a preferred caterer is used.
"I welcome these changes and I think they're good for our local business," Millwood said.
The next Ringgold City Council meeting is Monday, May 8 at 7 p.m. in the first floor courtroom of city hall.
For more information or a video recording of previous meetings, visit cityofringgold.gov.