As reported by 10 NEWS, the National City Council has approved a craft beer ordinance in order to attract tasting rooms and breweries to the San Diego County city.

“The passage of a new craft beer ordinance is a huge victory for National City and the South Bay craft beer movement,” National City council member Alejandra Sotelo-Solis said.

Between 2010 to 2016, San Diego saw an increase of jobs by 400 percent due to the craft beer industry. This made it no surprise when National City council leaders approved an ordinance to amend the city’s code in industrial and mixed-use zones for tasting rooms and breweries. This will lower the bill (and the time) on the permit process. It also allows the city to take advantage of San Diego’s reputation as one of the top craft beer destinations in the country. 

“Allowing breweries by-right in industrial and mixed-use zones will save small businesses like ours thousands of dollars, and several hours for both entrepreneurs and city planning staff,” said Jorge Molina, owner of the Embarcadero Brewing Company.

The economic impacts from breweries have already been felt in nearby cities such as Vista and Chula Vista. Nearby Lemon Grove is also hoping the addition of a brewery will kick-start their downtown revitalization.