CASE NUMBER: AL 24-001
APPLICANT: Cellar Bold and Distillery, Morounfolu “Tona” Awotona.
ALCOHOL LICENSE: Distillery and Farm Winery license.
LOCATION: 3180 Florence Road SW, Ste 105
ZONING: LI ACRES: 6 ac PIN: 19067500020
Staff Recommendation: Approval.
BACKGROUND: The applicant, Morounfolu “Tona” Awotona, was granted a variance to reduce the minimum distance separation for alcohol manufacturing. He is now seeking a Distillery and Farm Winery License.
Cellar Bold and Distillery proposes to operate a farm winery, boutique distillery and tasting room within adjacent units at the warehouse suites located at 3180 Florence Road. His winery operation will rely on honey produced from honeybees, instead of the typical grapes grown in a vineyard.
The code of ordinances defines farm winery as:
Farm winery means a winery which makes at least forty (40) percent of its annual production from agricultural produce grown in the state where the winery is located and:
(A) Is located on premises, a substantial portion of which is used for agricultural purposes, including the cultivation of grapes, berries, or fruits to be utilized in the manufacture or production of wine by the winery; or
(B) Is owned and operated by persons who are engaged in the production of a substantial portion of the agricultural produce used in its annual production.
(C) For purposes of this definition, the commissioner of revenue shall determine what is a substantial portion of such winery premises or agricultural produce.
The applicant has attested that his proposed winery will meet the provisions for percent of annual production, and for on premises production.
UDC Table 2-3 provides that distilleries and farm wineries are allowed uses in the LI zoning District.
Figure 1 Zoning Map.
Figure 2. Aerial Map.
