City officials also heard from Jason Snyder, who wants to open a craft brewery in Marion.

Sarah and Ryan Jacobs said the only problem is that, under the current law, they would have to open their taproom as a private club.

At this time, only hotels, motels and restaurants can sell beer and wine in Marion. Sarah and Ryan Jacobs don’t want to operate a restaurant and having to operate as a private club is a cumbersome and costly process. As a private club, the proprietors have to maintain a ledger of members. If someone new comes to Marion and wants to enjoy the taproom, that person would have to go through the process of becoming a member, the couple said.

Sarah Jacobs said this requirement “sends the message that we are exclusive, not inclusive.”

Removing the HMR restriction would avoid all that. But this requires a vote of the people.

City Council unanimously agreed with the Jacobs’ request.