L.A. County Approves Brewery Reopenings

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to approve the re-opening of brewery and winery tasting rooms that partner with a third-party food vendor.The 3-2 vote on the motion authored by Supervisor Janice Hahn and co-authored by Supervisor Kathryn Barger will allow the businesses to reopen in one week.The motion aligns the county with state health orders that allow breweries and wineries to offer drinks in an outdoor setting if they partner with a third-party food vendor; breweries that serve food with an on-site restaurant license already comply with the rule. Until now, the county had not allowed breweries and wineries without restaurant licenses to resume service.The San Fernando Valley hosts several large tasting rooms including 8One8 Brewing Co. in Canoga Park and Hand-Brewed Beer in Chatsworth and Cellador Ales in North Hills.“It is time that we allow our breweries and wineries to resume outdoor service consistent with the state orders,” Hahn said in a statement. “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.”Barger called the move an important step forward for businesses and employees throughout the county.“As our case numbers have decreased, I have championed for breweries and wineries to reopen safely with necessary health protocols and guidance in place,” Barger said in a statement. “I am pleased to have the opportunity to collaborate to seek solutions that will help support our communities.”The Los Angeles County Brewers Guild was pleased with the supervisors’ actions.“We’re eager to hear more about this, but we cannot thank @SupJaniceHahn & @kathrynbarger enough for considering our small businesses! Stay tuned, @LABrewers supporters! And please always wear masks and keep distance when visiting us!” the guild said on Twitter.