BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – Avondale Brewing Co.'s plans to bottle its beer have been delayed by a backlog of new label applications in Montgomery, co-owner Hunter Lake and state officials said today.

New labels must be approved by the enforcement division of the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, which has a backlog of about 800 applications because of the departure of a staffer who was responsible for that task, a spokeswoman said. The agency is in the process of hiring a replacement, she said.

Avondale Brewing, which opened in 2011, made a “major” investment in bottling equipment and intends to package five of its beers in 22.5 oz. bottles, which are allowed under liquor law reforms the state adopted last year, Lake said.

Among the first beers expected to be available in bottles are the brewery’s popular Spring Street Saison and Streetcar Kolsch.

The brewer has dedicated a 15-barrel tank to production for bottling, and has the capacity to bottle as much as 500 barrels a year, Lake said. Bottling could begin within about two weeks of the time the state approves the proposed labels, he said, and bottled beer would be distributed in the metro Birmingham area.

The brewery, which is located in a renovated building near Avondale Park on 41st Street South, has been the epicenter of a redevelopment of Avondale's small retail district. Other new businesses include Saw's Soul Kitchen, the Freshfully Market and 41st Street Pub & Aircraft Sales.