Print
Comment
Rate
Turquoise Hills looks to open a microbrewery
Thelma Grimes
SAN PEDRO VALLEY NEWS-Sun
Benson may be getting a microbrewery and winery as part of changes being made under new ownership at the Turquoise Hills Golf and RV off State Route 80.
The Benson City Council approved two resolutions Monday night, supporting the new owners' effort to become state-licensed to have a microbrewery and sell wine at the golf course.
Art Bale, one of the new owners, said they came across someone with experience in microbreweries and one thing led to another, and they soon realized the golf course kitchen was big enough and the prospect could become a reality.
"We are asking your permission for a microbrewery," Bale said. "We have the room to do it, and we have applied to the state. We think it will be a lot of fun for the people who live here."
Bale said if the state approves the license, they will make no less than 5,000 gallons per year, and no more than 10,000 gallons.
Bale said the beers will also have different names to represent the San Pedro Valley.
Vice Mayor Toney King applauded the idea, stating he visited a brewery in Phoenix and it was interesting, and one in Benson would likely draw in tourists.
Bale said with council approval, and if all goes well with the state licensing board, they are hoping to start around Nov. 15.
While the council had few worries about a microbrewery, Turquoise Hills' request for council approval to move forward with a winery drew some concerns.
Councilman Al Sacco's motion to table the issue to investigate further died for lack of a second. Sacco said the city needs to be careful moving forward, citing concerns with whether or not a winery should be in a residential neighborhood.
Bale explained that one of the park residents in Cochise Terrace has been making wine for many years and just giving it away. Now, Bale said Turquoise Hills will buy the wine from him and sell it by the glass or bottle.
The domestic farm winery license would be approved for 1030 S. Barrel Cactus Ridge.
George Neff, who was also present at the meeting, said he has been making wine since the 1970s, and under federal regulations has been able to make up to 200 gallons a year and give it away.
He now has to get a license because he is going to be selling it to Turquoise Hills.
Sacco had some concerns because Neff will have controlling interest in the winery and the microbrewery. When questioned about it, City Attorney Michael Massee did not know the specific laws applying to the issue, but said the state licensing board is the ultimate authority on the matter.
City Manager Glenn Nichols further stated that the golf course is zoned B-2 which would allow manufacturing of wine.
Sacco, still unsatisfied, said, "We are treading on uncharted waters and want to make sure we cover all bases. I want to make sure we understand what we are doing here. I'd like a little more time to investigate."
Bale said he would rather the council just reject it rather than table it. City Council has no control over a liquor license. The state has the final say on the matter.
While Sacco's motion to table the matter failed, he did get some support from other council members. In voting to approve the measure, Council members David Lambert and Jo Deen Boncquet voted against. Sacco abstained, while Mayor Mark Fenn, King and council members John Lodzinski and Lori McGoffin voted yes, passing the resolution in a 4-2-1 vote.
In other business during the hour-long meeting, the council gave Public Works Director Brad Hamilton approval to move forward with the third phase of several streets in Benson as part of a Community Development Block Grant.
Staff was also given approval to move forward with purchasing new merchandise with the new city logo to sell at the Benson Visitor's Center, and to conduct a transit feasibility study to possibly take over a senior transit program in the city that is currently managed by Catholic Community Services.
SAN PEDRO VALLEY NEWS-Sun
Benson may be getting a microbrewery and winery as part of changes being made under new ownership at the Turquoise Hills Golf and RV off State Route 80.
The Benson City Council approved two resolutions Monday night, supporting the new owners' effort to become state-licensed to have a microbrewery and sell wine at the golf course.
Art Bale, one of the new owners, said they came across someone with experience in microbreweries and one thing led to another, and they soon realized the golf course kitchen was big enough and the prospect could become a reality.
"We are asking your permission for a microbrewery," Bale said. "We have the room to do it, and we have applied to the state. We think it will be a lot of fun for the people who live here."
Bale said if the state approves the license, they will make no less than 5,000 gallons per year, and no more than 10,000 gallons.
Bale said the beers will also have different names to represent the San Pedro Valley.
Vice Mayor Toney King applauded the idea, stating he visited a brewery in Phoenix and it was interesting, and one in Benson would likely draw in tourists.
Bale said with council approval, and if all goes well with the state licensing board, they are hoping to start around Nov. 15.
While the council had few worries about a microbrewery, Turquoise Hills' request for council approval to move forward with a winery drew some concerns.
Councilman Al Sacco's motion to table the issue to investigate further died for lack of a second. Sacco said the city needs to be careful moving forward, citing concerns with whether or not a winery should be in a residential neighborhood.
Bale explained that one of the park residents in Cochise Terrace has been making wine for many years and just giving it away. Now, Bale said Turquoise Hills will buy the wine from him and sell it by the glass or bottle.
The domestic farm winery license would be approved for 1030 S. Barrel Cactus Ridge.
George Neff, who was also present at the meeting, said he has been making wine since the 1970s, and under federal regulations has been able to make up to 200 gallons a year and give it away.
He now has to get a license because he is going to be selling it to Turquoise Hills.
Sacco had some concerns because Neff will have controlling interest in the winery and the microbrewery. When questioned about it, City Attorney Michael Massee did not know the specific laws applying to the issue, but said the state licensing board is the ultimate authority on the matter.
City Manager Glenn Nichols further stated that the golf course is zoned B-2 which would allow manufacturing of wine.
Sacco, still unsatisfied, said, "We are treading on uncharted waters and want to make sure we cover all bases. I want to make sure we understand what we are doing here. I'd like a little more time to investigate."
Bale said he would rather the council just reject it rather than table it. City Council has no control over a liquor license. The state has the final say on the matter.
While Sacco's motion to table the matter failed, he did get some support from other council members. In voting to approve the measure, Council members David Lambert and Jo Deen Boncquet voted against. Sacco abstained, while Mayor Mark Fenn, King and council members John Lodzinski and Lori McGoffin voted yes, passing the resolution in a 4-2-1 vote.
In other business during the hour-long meeting, the council gave Public Works Director Brad Hamilton approval to move forward with the third phase of several streets in Benson as part of a Community Development Block Grant.
Staff was also given approval to move forward with purchasing new merchandise with the new city logo to sell at the Benson Visitor's Center, and to conduct a transit feasibility study to possibly take over a senior transit program in the city that is currently managed by Catholic Community Services.
 |
 |
|
| Nichols sets goals to enforce all codes | Benson teachers get together before new year |
Article Rating
Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of bensonnews-sun.com.
John Garber wrote on Aug 12, 2009 10:57 AM:
" I love the idea of a Micro Brewery. I visit many Wine tasting rooms around the country, and like those It may bring a few more tourists and much needed tourist money into the town. "
Billy wrote on Aug 12, 2009 1:18 PM:
" Sacco clearly had a BIMBY (not in my back yard) view of the domestic farm winery licence. It matters little if it helps Benson, as long as it does not hurt Al Sacco. Not very neighborly of you Al. This is the first time you did not follow your leader. Problems brewing? (pun)
Good luck on the venture. "
Good luck on the venture. "
Marge wrote on Aug 12, 2009 4:07 PM:
" 1030 S. Barrel Cactus Ridge where the wine is made has residential zoning. Would a zoning variance be required since the wine will be sold? Would a meeting on any zoning variance be held behind closed doors? Closed door secret meetings on zoning issues seem to be the normal thing for the city council now. What if two old guys complain and get it closed down? Like everything else if the city council approves it, codes will be ignored. "
Gary R. wrote on Aug 12, 2009 7:42 PM:
" Glad to see progress & change coming to Benson, new ideas sounds GREAT to me. Here is a novel THOUGHT the more money the business' in Benson make then the more MONEY the city makes isn't progress great? "
Vigilante1 wrote on Aug 14, 2009 12:51 AM:
" Wow a microbrewery being called progress...I've heard it all now. Microbrewery will equal a major flop. Microbreweries work where there is a major population center, serious nightlife and evening events, not in an out of the way run down building with a wanna be golf course in podunk Benson. Microbreweries don't attract tourism, they are nice little sidelines to hit when unwinding from seeing actual tourist attractions. Why do you think almost all microbreweries are in the downtown of major metropolitan areas? Let me give you a clue...because they can't make it anywhere else. But since most of you have never been outside of Benson, I have to forgive your ignorance. Microbrewery...don't waste your money...you'll never get a dime returned on your investment. "
Ralph wrote on Aug 14, 2009 11:46 AM:
" WOW. Wine made in a RV Park. Homebrew from a golf course. Will there be music on Saturdays by the Trailer Trash Trio? "
Pete wrote on Aug 16, 2009 12:05 PM:
" How can folks be so negative about ANY investor willing to try something new with their own money? Support is what they need, not silly criticism at this juncture. "It is better to have tried and failed, ..." might be a few jobs there too!
Vigilante is not a golfer, obviously more of a "consultant."
I wish them nothing but the best and thanks for trying something new. "
Vigilante is not a golfer, obviously more of a "consultant."
I wish them nothing but the best and thanks for trying something new. "
Steve G wrote on Aug 17, 2009 12:10 AM:
" Why not critize something new when you don't have the courage to try isomething new yourself.
I am sure that all the critics are well versed in business and are huge financinal successes themselves.
I wish anyone willing to step out and take a chance the very best.
I will be willing to support them. "
I am sure that all the critics are well versed in business and are huge financinal successes themselves.
I wish anyone willing to step out and take a chance the very best.
I will be willing to support them. "
Jan wrote on Aug 18, 2009 7:14 PM:
" I think a microbrewery sounds great, hope they have brewpub food available, too. And to Vigilante1, let me tell you a brewpub should work anywhere as long as they have good food, good beer and keep reasonable hours. This business about almost all the restaurants in Benson closing at 8pm most nights, and most closing on Sundays is crazy. Particularly in the summer, do the restaurant owners think tourists eat at McD's all the time? "
Vigilante1 wrote on Aug 18, 2009 11:52 PM:
" We are negative because it is a stupid idea...thats all. Hey looks like the microbrewery already has two customers...Pete and Steve who will no doubt be drinking Benson's finest. Hey why not call it Kartchner Caverns Pale Ale...wow what a brilliant name! "
Vince wrote on Aug 11, 2009 11:32 PM: