Beer, Wine, Spirits Regulation Changes Proposed In Madison

MADISON, CT — At a recent Madison Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, local officials discussed potential changes to the regulations pertaining to beer, wine and spirit manufacturing and sales.

No changes have been voted on as of yet and a public hearing is planned in October. The proposed regulation would also address Farm Breweries, Farm Distilleries, and Farm Wineries.

Director of Planning and Economic Development David Anderson stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission has talked about how the Planning and Zoning Regulations do not adequately address the area of manufacturing beer, wine and spirits, according to meeting minutes from the Sept. 5 meeting.

He stated that he looked at three areas in the regulations to address the issue more fully. He proposed amending the Light Industrial District Regulations, the Commercial Zoning District Regulations, and Sections 3.4(i) and Section 3.11.

The words “non alcoholic” would be removed from in front of the word beverages, to amend the Light Industrial District Regulations to read as follows in Section 7.1.3, “The manufacturing, processing or packing of foods, beverages, toilet supplies, pharmaceuticals, perfumes and similar products.”

The Commercial Zoning District Regulations would be amended by adding the following to the uses that require Special Exception Review in the C District, Downtown Districts, and Rural Shopping District: “Manufacturing and sale of beer, wine, cider, and spirits, or similar items, including the provision for on-premises consumption as may be permitted by the applicable regulations of the Connecticut Liquor Control Act.”

Section 3.4(i) would be amended to read, “Non-Agriculturally Related Uses, Farm Stores, Farmstays, Farm Breweries, Farm Distilleries, and Farm Wineries all subject to the criteria set forth in Section 3.11.

That would require Section 3.11 to be amended by adding a new section pertaining to Farm Breweries, Farm Distilleries, and Farm Wineries, which would read as follows: “Farm Breweries, Farm Distilleries, and Farm Wineries are subject to the following limitations and criteria: 1. Farm Breweries, Farm Distilleries, and Farm Wineries may be located on a Farm meeting the minimum five (5) acre requirement.

2. Events held in conjunction with a Farm Brewery, Farm Distillery, and Farm Winery operation shall be subject to review and approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission as outlined under Section 3.11(b).” Mr. Anderson stated that the first item on the evening’s meeting agenda and the beer, wine and spirit amendments, would all be placed on the agenda for a public hearing in October.