Although brewery licenses are considered different from regular liquor licenses, applicants still have to follow the same rules regarding the application process.

For example, applicants are required to pay a $700 filing fee and a license fee of $1,425 for a brewery license, according to the LCB’s official application for license, manufacture, storage or transportation.

If a brewery also wanted to obtain a brewpub license, a person must also file a separate application with another $700 filing fee.

Applicants would also have to pay a license fee ranging from $200 to $700, depending on the population of the municipality and whether the license is new or a transfer license.

In addition, similar to other license applications, the LCB may not grant a brewery license if the restaurant is located within 300 feet of any church, hospital, charitable institution, school or public playground.

“If a valid protest is received, a hearing is held at which time the protesters can testify as to how they will be affected if the license is granted,” Hays said. “After the hearing, the board decides on the application. Any citizen or organization can comment on a proposed application.” For example, the opening of North Country Brewing Co. in Slippery Rock was delayed due to a protest by Slippery Rock Methodist Church in 2002. The church is located within 300 feet of the brewery and protested its opening due to the proximity of the two buildings.

The brewery finally opened its doors in 2005 after the LCB held a hearing and approved its license.

“LCB approved the application after considering the information presented at the hearing and, in addition, the applicants meeting the criteria for these types of licenses," Hays said.

Calls to North Country Brewing were not returned.

A representative from Slippery Rock Methodist Church said the pastor who was a part of the original protest was no longer with the church, but added that the issue was “water under the bridge” now that the brewery has been open for several years.

Andrew Carranza is a staff writer for The Allied News in Grove City.