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They would join three microbreweries in operation: Crooked Handle, 760 N. Main St. in Springboro; Cellar Dweller, 2276 US 22 in Hamilton Twp.; and 16 Lots Brewing, 753 Reading Road in Mason.
RELATED: Mason’s 1st microbrewery opens in September 2017
“As of about an hour ago, we passed the health inspection, which is the last step,” Mark Lortz, minority owner at Common Beer, said last Friday.
Common Beer is expected to open at 126 E. Main St. in Mason within the next week, Lortz said. The grand opening is set for Friday, Oct. 12.
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“The company has an A-1c permit that will go into effect on Oct. 1, 2018,” Lindsey LeBerth, brand manager for the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Liquor Control, said in an email.
That permit allows production of up to 31 million gallons per year wherever produced, for sale on premises at retail for on premises consumption, and sell beer products to retail and wholesale permit holders.
On Sept. 20, Common Beer applied for an A-1a permit, and that application is pending, according to LeBerth.
This would permit Common Beer to serve beer “and any intoxicating liquor by the glass or container” on premises until 2:30 a.m., according to the state agency.
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Common Beer is to serve about six beers, brewed in the building “catty corner” from the Wildflower Cafe, a popular restaurant on the north edge of Mason’s old downtown, according to Lortz.
“We really want to identify with Mason, Ohio,” Lortz said. “We are going to serve everything on our taps.”
Lortz, a software consultant, said he will own the microbrewery, his first small business, with majority owner and wife, Amy Lortz.
The couple lives “less than a mile as the crow flies” from the brewery and has no plans for expansion, Lortz said.
“We want to stay small. We want to stay local,” he said. “We’re not going to be distributing.”
RELATED: Sonder to offer more than craft beer
Sonder Brewing Company announced plans to open at 8584 Duke Blvd., Deerfield Twp., on Oct. 27.
Sonder applied for three permits related to producing and distributing beer on Feb. 27, and the A2 permit for wine on Sept. 21, according to LeBerth.
Last week, Sonder applied for a permit to also manufacture wine, according to the state Division of Liquor Control.
“All four are pending,” LeBerth added, while background checks are being completed.
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Jason Neff of Sonder said the business was “at least pursuing” the wine license permitting it to produce ciders, including some low- or gluten-free varietals.
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