An award-winning family brewing business is expanding and will soon allow people to sample their products on site.
Permission was granted for Loch Lomond Brewery to open up a taproom, giving beer fans the chance to sample ales directly at the source of production.
Fiona and Euan MacEachern, who launched the company from their kitchen 10 years ago, applied to West Dunbartonshire’s licensing board for the licence for unit 12 at the Vale of Leven Industrial Estate.
It comes just two years after the couple relocated from Alexandria to Dumbarton as their business started to boom.
The latest move will give the firm the opportunity to welcome people on a daily basis to sample beers but also to host private and community events.
Lawyer Niall Hassard, who spoke on behalf of the business owners at last week’s licensing board meeting, said the events would likely be aimed at trade or those interested in ales at an ancillary taproom.
He said: “It is an environment where people can come whether it be local beer aficionados, local people or trade and speak to the people who produce them and sample the beers directly at the point of production. It’s very much the next logical step in growth of this brand.
“It allows them to further engage with the local community and the beer community.”
The granting of the licence also allows for private functions such as weddings to take place at the Dumbarton facility but Mr Hassard said this was unlikely to happen regularly.
He added: “It’s not something which in the initial circumstances is going to be all singing, all dancing. Weddings are captured under the general heading of receptions which covers any sort of private function they might do. That could be a trade event or a community event.
“From that point of view, I don’t anticipate there will be a huge run of weddings. It’s not something which is going to be marketed.
“This will grow organically.”
The company employs 14 people with another due to be added to their staff imminently and, according to Mr Hassard is a valued community asset.
He said: “The local brewery has won many awards. It’s very much a local brewery, employing local people.
“Not just on the production side, but local graphic designers who worked on a rebrand.
“It’s very much steeped in West Dunbartonshire.”
The application received support from Bonhill and Dalmonach Community Council who said in a statement to the board: “We had a discussion about this project and, despite reservations about yet another alcohol outlet, we all agreed that the microbreweries do a good job. It should be a welcome addition to the area. We wish them success and look forward to supporting them when they are operating.”
The board backed the bid and granted the licence which will see onsite alcohol sales permitted from 11am until midnight each weekday and until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Off sales will be able to take place from 10am until 12pm.
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