Having a beer at your local brewery is closer to becoming a reality in Manitoba.

Local craft breweries can now apply to open tasting rooms next to their breweries.

The province launched a new strategy for craft breweries in December that included selling growlers – jugs of beer that can be refilled at liquor commission locations – and allowing for tasting rooms at brewery sites.

According to provincial officials, growler fills doubled what was expected, and sales for Fort Garry, Half Pints and Farmery are up 10 per cent since 2013.