After more than six months of wrangling with the province, Forked River Brewing in London has been approved to open a separate retail store.
Co-owner David Reed says the federal government also became involved in the process.
The company planned to open its retail store at Pacific Court last April, but it was quashed by Ontario's Alcohol and Gaming Commission (AGCO).
The store complied with rules requiring it to be located on the same parcel of land as the brewery's production area, but because the store is not attached to production at the plaza, the commission wouldn’t approve it.
“This success would not have been possible without the support of our customers, city councillors, the mayor and local MPPs, who have petitioned on our behalf,” said Reed.
More than 3,600 people also signed an online petition.
Forked River has hired four people this year and expects to hire two more before the end of the year.
The company is holding a grand opening next Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
