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Board approves use variance for nano brewery at 375 Putnam Pike with conditions
Summary
The Zoning Board approved a use variance to permit a small-scale nano brewery and taproom at 375 Putnam Pike (case 25-012), limiting off-site sales and making final approval contingent on state and local permits and standard building and wastewater pretreatment requirements.
The Smithfield Zoning Board approved a use variance to allow a nano brewery and taproom at 375 Putnam Pike (case 25-012) on June 4, subject to conditions required by the board and town reviewers.
Applicants Nathan Aiello and business partner Anthony Gerard told the board they plan a low-volume operation (they described production under 200 barrels per year and described a two-barrel system in testimony) oriented around a small taproom open initially on limited days. They said they would not can or bottle on site at present and that sales would be from the taproom only. The applicants described sustainable practices including donating spent grain to local farms or pet-food producers and using low-impact cleaning agents.
Board members and staff asked technical questions about parking, restroom/ADA accommodations, wastewater pretreatment and ventilation/odor control tied to the brewing process. Town staff noted that brewery operations are subject to wastewater pretreatment rules and building, fire and health reviews; the building official confirmed that zoning approval is required before final permitting and that the temporary vacancy of the unit does not change those review processes.
The board approved the use-variance motion with amendments: final approval is subject to all state and local permits and inspections; the board limited or restricted off-site distribution (applicants agreed not to sell packaged beer off-site without returning to the board), required compliance with wastewater pre-treatment and building/fire-code reviews, and noted hours and other operating details would be enforced through permitting. The motion passed by voice vote. The board noted that any change to the use (for example, expanded distribution or outdoor seating) would require return to the board for approval.
