SAUGANASH — Plans to add a tap room to Sauganash's first — and only — brewery jumped forward with a bang as city officials prepared to lift a ban on alcohol sales.
Ald. Margaret Laurino (39th) introduced a measure to the Chicago City Council this week to lift a two-block moratorium on liquor sales near Peterson and Pulaski avenues to allow Alarmist Brewery to sell its beverages, officials said.
"I've got all kind of ideas I want to try once I get the tap room open," said Gary Gulley, who opened Alarmist several months ago and debuted its first concoction — Pantless Pale Ale — in March.
Whether his brewery at 4055 W. Peterson Ave. will have a place for customers to buy — and sample his brews — is the "first question" he gets asked, Gulley said.
"It is a really important way to make money and connect with customers," said Gulley, a Lincoln Square resident.
The Peterson Pulaski Business and Industrial Council supports lifting the ban on alcohol sales for the brewery, said Manuel Galvan, a spokesman for Laurino.
"When I spoke to members of the council, they were excited about going to a local brewery and sampling craft beers," Laurino said.
But Far Northwest Side beer lovers shouldn't get too pumped up — it will probably take six months to get through the bureaucracy and open up the taproom, Gulley said.
The council is expected to approve the measure next month and it will take effect immediately, Galvan said.
Once the ban has been lifted, Gulley will be able to apply for a license that will allow alcohol to be consumed at the brewery, Galvan said.
"I'm really excited," Gulley said. "The alderman's support has been a godsend."
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