A Thirsty City on the River

By Mari Harries, Policy Associate, August 29, 2011 at 9:30 am

As River City Eatery starts to take shape and my dream of opening a restaurant in my rural southwest Minnesota town are coming true, I'm getting thirsty from all this hard, but oh so much fun work.

I'm getting thirsty for some great, local craft beer.

The beer and wine license I have obtained from the state of Minnesota allows River City Eatery to sell “strong beer,” but the Windom city ordinance only allows us to serve 3.2 beers. It’s an issue I’m certain many other small towns face.

Local micro brews don't come in the 3.2 style, which leaves my only options as a restaurateur in the City of Windom being Miller or Budweiser.

I don't mind Miller or Bud products, but I'd like more options and to support my locals, you know?

So here is another option: to inform the Windom city council about this somewhat archaic ordinance in order to adapt to the changing world around us and to support local businesses.

I’m hoping as a small rural community, we can redefine our municipal ordinance. It would help give customers who wish to enjoy a wonderful evening in beautiful, historic downtown Windom a choice to enjoy some wonderful Minnesota products with some wonderful food, and to support small businesses.

I'm not trying to move mountains or try something that has never been done before; this is nothing crazy or ridiculous to the world around us.

I'm simply asking permission to sell products from other small businesses that a great number of people have to presently leave the city limits to enjoy with a nice meal.

Here's to microbrews and small businesses everywhere! Cheers!