Good afternoon Rep. XXX -

As you may have heard, Surly Brewing Company (Brooklyn Center) is seeking to expand their operation. Since their inception five years ago, they have seen dramatic growth and have outgrown their current facility. Surly's desire is to build a new $20 mil. brewery and restaurant somewhere in the Twin Cities. This new facility would provide 150+ permanent jobs along with around 85 construction jobs. Once complete, the new facility would become a significant tourist attraction in the area and would be a strong source of tax revenue.

The problem is that current legislation prohibits breweries from selling their own beer on their own property. It is time this legislation is changed to allow breweries to sell their own product on-site. Many other states have adopted similar legislation with great success. The Twin Cities are becoming one of the few great "beer cities" in the country - in the past few years we've had many new award-winning craft breweries open in the area. I fear that if current legislation stays in place, prohibiting on-site sales, this momentum will be lost and we will have missed out on a great opportunity to foster this burgeoning industry and great cultural asset.

As your constituent, I am writing in support of Surly, and am asking that, at such time as you have a chance to vote on this legislation, that you would vote in favor of allowing breweries to sell their own product on-site.

Thank you,