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A proposal to ease land-use restrictions to allow micro and nano breweries and distilleries to set up shop in most commercial and industrial zones in Calgary sailed unanimously through council Monday.

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“We always allowed microbreweries that sold in their own restaurant but larger breweries that wanted to sell retail had to only be in industrial areas,” Mayor Naheed Nenshi said. “The idea here is that a microbrewery can sell in its own restaurant and retail in a larger section of areas (in the city).”

The new land-use definition — “brewery, winery and distillery” — will accommodate for a wide range of manufacturers and could foster the craft beverage industry in Calgary, attract more tourists, and boost local employment, according to a report by city administration.

“Due to the the new ability to brew small amount of beer, there has also been interest to establish small breweries in the smaller spaces that are found in commercial districts and buildings,” it read.