Tonewood Brewing seeks second license for Barrington site

TRENTON – Tonewood Brewing could continue operations at its original site in Oaklyn following a proposed expansion to Barrington, according to a state official.

The firm, which originally sought a warehouse license for the Barrington site, has applied instead for a second limited brewery license, records show.

Tonewood representatives have declined to comment on their plans for the Barrington site, a former lumber yard at 50 Clements Bridge Road.

But the additional license, if approved, would allow Tonewood to brew up to 50,000 barrels a year at the Barrington site.

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The firm has operated a brewery at a smaller site on West Clinton Avenue in Oaklyn since mid-2016.

Company officials also have not disclosed plans for the Oaklyn location.

Tonewood wants to operate a production facility and tasting room at the former Mr. Roberts Lumber Center, according to an application before Barrington's planning board.

The complex at Atlantic Avenue and Clements Bridge Road has been vacant for about two years.

In supporting its request, Tonewood said it plans to pursue all permitted activities at the Barrington site, said James Graziano, acting director of the state Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

These activities would encompassing brewing malt beverages, marketing to retail and wholesale customers, and selling to consumers “for on-site and off-site consumption,” Graziano said.

The holder of a limited brewery license cannot operate a restaurant on its premises.

Tonewood also has said it “will not share products between the two sites,” Graziano noted.

And Tonewood’s products “will only be sold or distributed from the brewery at which they were manufactured,” he added.

The ABC official summed up his understanding of Tonewood’s commitments in an Oct. 29 letter to a company lawyer.

In the letter, Graziano said the ABC had determined Tonewood “is permitted to apply for a second limited brewery license.”

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Tonewood submitted its license application earlier this month, according to a record obtained from the ABC.

A limited brewery license has a $1,250 fee, according to the state.

In his letter, Graziano said Tonewood was expected to withdraw its pending application for a warehouse license.

Jim Walsh is a free-range reporter who’s been roaming around South Jersey for decades. His interests include crime, the courts, economic development and being first with breaking news. Reach him at jwalsh@gannettnj.com or look for him in traffic.

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