Cigar City’s Tasting Room Facing Closure
Politics in Florida are a tricky thing. From hanging chads to the election of questionable candidates, just when we seem to think we are gaining a little respect again in the country, something ridiculous happens. This is true even down to the local goverments. Like Tampa, home of Cigar City Brewing.
Cigar City opened a tasting room last year to much success. By being able to extend their hours of operation and sell and serve beer on-premise, this local business was able to increase their employee count from 2 to 22. Serving award-winning craft beer in a comfortable and friendly environment, they have operated without incident, which few other establishments can claim. In a short time, Cigar City has achieved national (and international) recognition for their creative and consistantly excellent craft beer. In a state that has been often referred to as a “beer wasteland”, the fact that their beers are highly sought after is a testament to what owner Joey Redner and head brewer Wayne Wambles have been doing.
Now they are facing a huge problem. For reasons known only to themselves, members of the Tampa City Council have voted to not make the wet-zoning (required to allow the serving of alcohol) permanent, which would essentially force the closing of the Tasting Room. As Joey has said, this means “no more special events, no more limited release parties, no beer for sale – at all – at the Tasting Room.”
So as the citizenry, we have a responsibility to make our voices heard. Tell the Tampa City Council not to vote for killing jobs. Tell them not to vote for limiting growth. Tell them to reward success and not punish it. Tell them that local businesses are watching. And so are those that might wish to do business in Tampa in the future.
These are the three members of Council who voted against Cigar City:
Gwen Miller – http://www.tampagov.net/dept_City_Council/about_us/Gwen_Miller.asp
Thomas Scott – http://www.tampagov.net/dept_City_Council/about_us/Thomas_Scott.asp
Curtis Stokes – Curtis.Stokes@tampagov.net
These are those Council members who voted for Cigar City:
Mary Mulhern – Mary.Mulhern@tampagov.net
Yvonne Yoli Capin – yvonne.capin@tampagov.net
Joseph Caetano – Joseph.Caetano@tampagov.net
Finally, the member who was absent. Let Charlie Miranda know you support CCB and craft beer and are counting on his yes vote on December 2nd.
Charlie Miranda – http://www.tampagov.net/dept_City_Council/about_us/Charlie_Miranda.asp
I try to not be a political activist in my writings and blogs, but this one affects me personally. It affects friends of mine in a very real way, i.e. it could cost them their jobs. It effects my local community, the local economy, and the status of craft beer in Tampa Bay.
6 Comments to “Cigar City’s Tasting Room Facing Closure”
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[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by ratebeer, RateBeer Hop Press and Lee Williams, Sean Nordquist. Sean Nordquist said: Fresh Off the Hop Press -Cigar City Tasting Room Facing Closure – http://bit.ly/daunQI #craftbeer #flabrew @CigarCityBeer #politics #Florida [...]
Mutineer Magaazine is pulling for ya. This would be such a bummer if it stays this way. Cigar City produces such awesome beer!
[...] Cigar City’s Tasting Room Facing Closure Sean Nordquist of The Hop Press gives you a glimpse into the alcohol politics Cigar City Brewing is currently facing in Tampa, FL and lets you know who you should contact so your voice can be heard. Read the full article [...]
[...] blogger Sean Nordquist sums it up best: “Tell the Tampa City Council not to vote for killing jobs. Tell them not to [...]
So the three councillors who objected declined to give a reason? How do we know what they were thinking? Even for non-beer drinkers, having the tasting room is a no-brainer, surely?
The Beer Connoisseur Magazine voices its ardent support of the effort to save Cigar City’s tasting room. Lovers of great beer in Florida and elsewhere should do everything they can to make sure great beer continues to flow on-site at the beloved young brewery.
Nick Kaye
Managing Editor
The Beer Connoisseur