WBOC got a look inside the new facility set to open by July (Source: WBOC)

WEST REHOBOTH, Del. - A long-debated microbrewery has been approved for the West Rehoboth area. In a four-to-one vote, the Sussex County Council approved an application from Beachfire Brewing Company to set up shop by the intersections of Central Avenue and Johnston Road.

The microbrewery, which is approximately 1,500-square-feet, will be used as a site to test new recipes for craft beers, that could then be brewed on a larger-scale at its Lewes location. The beer would also be served on-site and at local restaurants across the area.

"Glad it's finally done," said Harry Metcalfe from Beachfire. "It should have been done a long time ago in my opinion. But I'm glad to see that they've finally approved it. And we can start moving forward."

The microbrewery can seat as many as 20 people at once, although no food can be prepared at the location. The facility will be able to brew a maximum of 37 barrels per month, according to Metcalfe.

Metcalfe said that it was frustrating to see how "unnecessarily" long the process was.

"I would caution the county council with some of the things they're doing and saying," he said. "And the hoops they're making businesses jump through. It's not right. They should be working to make it an easier process particularly when you have things like this that are simple."

Metcalfe said the microbrewery is expected to open by July, before the big July 4th weekend.