DOWNEY - Downey Brewing Company received approval on a new permit Wednesday that designates the business as a pub, allowing it to brew its own beer and sell alcohol for off-site consumption.The new permit, known as a type 75, allows the brewery to create its own beer on-site after securing the proper state and county permits. Downey Brewing Company is also now allowed to sell beer and wine for off-site consumption. Beers are required to be sold unopened, meaning customers who begin drinking a beer inside the restaurant cannot take the drink home. The brewery also received permission to stay open an additional hour, to 2 a.m. "We've had almost uninterrupted karaoke and DJ's playing during the week," said owner Sergio Vasquez. "A lot of customers arrive around 11 p.m. and that's when the DJ'ss and karaoke are shutting down." The restaurant has a "last call" for drinks one hour before closing time. In granting the expanded permit and business hours, city officials said the police department had received zero noise complains from neighboring residents and businesses. Planning commissioners voted 4-0 to grant the requests, with commissioner Ernie Garcia absent. "I think this gives Mr. Vasquez an opportunity to grow his business," said planning commissioner Robert Kiefer. " Mr. Vasquez has shown us he can be a good businessman, keep the noises under control, he deserves to have this," said commissioner Michael Murray. "I'm sure he'll be successful." Commissioner Louis Morales said Downey Brewing Company and the soon-to-open La Barca restaurant across the street could serve as "anchors" for the western portion of Downtown Downey.

********** Published: July 7, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 12