The vote would amend an ordinance that bans manufacture of beer or spirits in town, permitting Providence Brewing Company owner Efren Hidalgo to brew beer at a location on Mineral Spring Avenue.

NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. — One small step for Providence Brewing Company, one giant leap for Rhode Island beer lovers.

The council Tuesday voted to amend an ordinance that bans the manufacturing of beer and spirits in town, clearing the way for Efren Hidalgo’s proposed brewery on Mineral Spring Avenue. After Tuesday night’s favorable vote he said he will sign a lease for the building at 1920 Mineral Spring Ave.

“It’ll be exciting I think,” Hidalgo said outside the council hall. “It’ll open up a new kind of industry here.”

Hidalgo, of Providence, says he currently brews beers for his business, Providence Brewing Company, in his garage. He makes a variety of stouts and seasonal beers. The new building will allow him to expand his workspace and develop new recipes. The ordinance change will also allow other North Providence restaurants to try their hand at brewing, and open up tasting rooms, Hidalgo said.

Neighboring Pawtucket is home to several craft breweries that draw significant crowds, said Hidalgo. The addition of the North Providence spot will make a “nice corridor,” where visitors can stop and sip before enjoying a meal at one of the town’s restaurants, Hidalgo said.

After a few residents raised concerns about the ordinance — which would change zoning surrounding the brewery — Town Planner David Westcott testified before the council in favor of the brewery.

“When this ordinance was passed in the '60s, a brewery was a big thing like Narragansett,” he said. “That’s not what’s happening here. It’s for smaller use. We should be taking advantage of this economic opportunity.”

The council agreed with him, passing the ordinance change unanimously. Mayor Charles Lombardi also has expressed his support saying: "any business is good business."

Hearing the news, Hidalgo smiled and blew a kiss to Town Clerk MaryAnn DeAngelus, who he said was “instrumental” in helping put his proposal together.

And then he and about 10 of his supporters left the meeting to celebrate, with what else? A glass of craft beer from Bailey's Pub.

—jtempera@providencejournal.com

(401) 277-7121

On Twitter: @jacktemp