The recent press and success of Elizabeth Street Brewery has apparently ticked off a neighbor who filed a formal (and anonymous) complaint. Rather than stopping by to talk about their issues over a cold pint of free beer, said neighbor called the police. "As some of you already know by now, my wife returned home on Tuesday afternoon to be greeted by Officer Miguel Granados and Deputy City Attorney Michael Weiss."Find out how it all turned out on ESB's blog.
[NVV: The Elizabeth Street Brewery: From Chocolate Milk to Firecracker Red]
[NVSF: Operation ESB Super Bowl]
11 comments:
I have to commend Richard on being so gracious about the whole incident in his post. When I read about how he met more neighbors since he'd started the ESB, it really warms my heart! I love these little things that bring Noe together as a neighborhood.
I wondered when some "I have to ruin everything" jerk would kill this little piece of only in San Francisco charm. Geez !!
"Dear Neighbors:
I love to make beer. I plan to make a whole lot of it in my garage and give it away for free to anyone who might be interested. They have to drink it here at my house though. And I'll accept money from them if they want to donate to my beer perfecting cause. I hope you don't mind all the extra drunk people. kthxbye."
All I'm saying is, why publicize it like they have? Making beer for your friends is a-o-k. Making the whole world your friends and inviting them over? Is going to upset the neighbors. Didn't we learn this in High School?
Jeez, I hate this Noe Valley tactic of "calling the authorities" instead of a friendly direct investigation. When we were planning additions to our house, and had to circulate plans to all affected neighbors (plans that by City law had to state "questions/concerns? Call us directly, do not contact City authorities." ) some of our nearest neighbors, who see us in our driveway all the time, still called up the City Planning Department demanding that our plans be stopped.
I for one am thrilled with Richard's pub. What a great way to bring neighbors together. And if he ever gets his commercial brew pub on 24th Street, well, his brews will be "Neighborhood Tested".
I would be much less than thrilled if my neighbor invited the public to come booze in his garage.
I suppose bathrooms are provided? I doubt it.
I have to agree. I think this is very cool (and, as was mentioned, is an "only in SF" type of thing), but it is undoubtedly against the spirit of the law. And I'd be pissed if this sprouted up next door to me--I don't live right next to a bar for a reason.
On the other hand, it's just so cool. Anyone else feel conflicted about this?
I don't feel conflicted at all. Bar licenses in residential neighborhoods are limited for a reason.
Perhaps you'd prefer the medical marijuana club moved in next door?
Having visited Richard's pub, I'd encourage anyone with concerns (including those on this comment sring) to stop by and have a pint before you decide you have issues with the pub. I'd bet your pleasantly surprised and wouldn't mind if your neighbor hosted similar home brew tastings.
Actually Richard doesn't serve pints - he serves small tasting glasses, so it's really more of a beer tasting. Given that he's making the beer in small batches, there's only so much to go around. I disagree that it's against the spirit of the law - he's sharing the beer he makes himself, often it's people stopping by while he's brewing, and you can throw something in the tip jar or not. It's really not much different than having a backyard BBQ and letting your neighbors know they're welcome to come by, whether you've met them yet or not.
Except he publicizes it online. Like having a BBQ where you invite all your friends on craigslist.
Full Disclosure- I don't live in Noe (I'm in West Addition) nor do I have beer brewing neighbor, but I can't help but feel for the guy. This is happening in his own house and he should be allowed to do what he wants. I could could see if his patrons were spilling out into the street, drunk, but sounds to me like he's having a few people over for beers.
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