By Keith Gushard

Meadville Tribune

CAMBRIDGE TOWNSHIP — A brew pub may be operating at Sprague Farm & Brew Works by early next summer.

Cambridge Township Board of Supervisors voted 2-0 to approve the pub as a conditional use at the property at 22019 U.S. Routes 6/19 at a hearing this week. Chairman Kevin Cole was absent from Monday’s hearing and there were no objections to the brew pub at the hearing.

Brian and Minnie Sprague have operated a microbrewery at their farm since summer 2006. Its products are sold at two dozen locations around Pennsylvania and at the farm as well.

However, to operate a brew pub, a conditional use hearing was necessary because the property is zoned rural/residential and a brew pub is permitted by conditional use only.

Under Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board law, the brewery can give away samples and sell beer to take home, but can’t sell it to be consumed at the brewery.

Brian Sprague said he wanted township approval before he pursued a brew pub license from the state.

Sprague told the board he would have seating for 30 people — the minimum state requirement — and limited food such as meat and cheese trays.

Sprague said the brewery’s hours won’t change. It’s open noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday; and noon to 7 p.m. Friday.

“We’ll meet the needs of the state,” Sprague said. “We have no desire to operate a full-blown bar and restaurant.”

With the township’s approval, Sprague said he’ll upgrade the barn where the brewery is located to allow for seating, and will apply for a brew pub license from the state. No additional licensing is needed from the federal Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, he said.

If state approval is obtained, the brew pub could be in operation by May or June, he said.

Keith Gushard can be reached at 724-6370 or by e-mail at kgushard@meadvilletribune.com.