Barnesville adopts brewpub rules for downtown commercial district

Barnesville’s council adopted Ordinance No. 567 to establish local policies and regulations for brewpubs in the Downtown C‑1 Commercial District.

City Manager David K. Rose gave the ordinance readings that clarified a brewpub must operate as a restaurant, derive at least 50 percent of revenue from food sales, and comply with state alcoholic beverage laws. The council noted the ordinance does not itself approve any particular business; it creates a local framework so interested operators can apply under the city’s zoning and licensing rules.

Councilmember Christopher Hightower asked whether the code currently allowed such uses and was informed the downtown district previously permitted beer sales but not on-site brewing; the ordinance fills that regulatory gap.

What’s next: Interested restaurateurs or entrepreneurs will apply for permits and licenses that must comply with the ordinance and state regulations; Council will review proposals as they arrive.