The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to allow breweries and wineries within the county to re-open for outdoor operations starting next week.
On Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a motion authored by Supervisors Janice Hahn and Kathryn Barger to allow outdoor operations for wineries and breweries to re-open within the county.
“I think it is time that we allow our breweries and wineries to resume outdoor service consistent with the State orders,” Hahn said in a statement Tuesday. “We have made progress slowing the spread of this virus and we did not see the spike in cases after Labor Day that I know many of us had been dreading. The action we are taking today puts us in line with the State’s health orders.”
The motion allows breweries and wineries to reopen one week from the adoption of the motion, which would be Oct. 6.
“It has been an uphill battle,” said Todd Tisdall, co-owner of Pocock Brewery in Valencia. “We are very excited that the supervisors have listened to us and are able to come in line with the state guidelines.”
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Tisdall added that he viewed the previous restrictions as “unfair discrimination for alcohol businesses,” with the shutdown cutting down his business by 70 percent. He also asked community members to stay tuned to the brewery’s social media, as they get ready to announce the addition of a kitchen to the facility so that they “don’t get caught in this mess again.”
“We are ready for the Santa Clarita community to come enjoy some beers,” he concluded.
Robert Reyes, owner of Reyes Winery in Agua Dulce, is also looking forward to being able to re-open next week and serve the community.
“This is an important step forward for businesses and employees throughout the County,” Barger said in a statement Tuesday. “As our case numbers have decreased, I have championed for breweries and wineries to reopen safely with necessary health protocols and guidance in place. I am pleased to have the opportunity to collaborate to seek solutions that will help support our communities.”
The motion also requires breweries and wineries to abide by strict safety guidelines, including the following:
- Operating only outdoors
- Having limited hours of operation
- Requiring reservations
- Maintaining appropriate social distancing
“Many small businesses across the County, including breweries and wineries, have been struggling to make ends meet as they have been forced to operate in a more restrictive business model,” the motion reads. “Given that the State of California allows breweries to partner with a third-party permitted food vendor to operate at a limited capacity outdoors, it would be prudent for the County to realign with the State and advance to this step.”
Ed. Note: Devon Miller contributed to this report.
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We at the Double Trouble Wine Room, (just down the street from KHTS) and home to 2 wineries, The Pagter Brothers and Hoi Polloi Wineries, are so excited about this. We have a huge outdoor patio and can’t wait for it to be open again!
Any bets on how long this lasts until King Gruesome says the masses have had enough?