Tractor Brewing took another big step toward being able to sell growlers again after the Environmental Planning Commission approved an amendment to the Nob Hill zoning plan Thursday afternoon.

The EPC voted unanimously in favor of altering the Nob Hill Highland Sector Redevelopment Plan as there was no public opposition during the meeting. The key was altering the text to allow businesses to sell “locally-produced beer and wine for off-premises consumption.” This means any establishment that brews its own beer or makes its own wine, as per the state liquor-licensing laws, is eligible to now sell that product for people to take home, whether it’s growlers or any other item.

The next and final step will be for the Albuquerque City Council to vote on the amendment, which could happen as early as June 2. Considering how the political process tends to work in ABQ, along with just about every other municipality in the country, it is optimistic to think that Tractor will at least have growler-selling capability by the July 4 holiday.

The only minor issues that the EPC had dealt with the wording in the amendment in regard to the phrase “locally-produced beer and wine,” but this was eventually cleared up as it was pointed out that a specific type of liquor license was already necessary from the State of New Mexico to even enable an establishment to sell its alcohol products in take-home form.

If the amendment passes the Council it will benefit not just Tractor but Kelly’s and Il Vicino’s Nob Hill location, both of which would then be able to refill/sell growlers.

As more updates on the ongoing process become available, the NMDSBC will provide them.

For now, raise a pint to celebrate a victory for Tractor, local business, and beer lovers everywhere!

Cheers!

— Stoutmeister