BUSTI - The Busti Town Board has passed a local law that will hopefully help local businesses attract more attention.
The law passed by Busti officials allows for a special-use permit to be issued to companies in the Stoneman Industrial Park for secondary business uses. The law allows businesses, like Southern Tier Brewing Company, to operate additional facets of a business to accompany the primary operation. In the case of Southern Tier, it will allow the business to operate its pub, The Empty Tap, to sell merchandise like hats and T-shirts and to construct an outdoor stage to host concerts.
The special-use permit can include, but is not limited to, factory tours, restaurants, retail shops or similar uses designed to attract tourists.
Article Photos
The new stage at Southern Tier Brewing Company, 2072 Stoneman Circle, Lakewood, where concerts will be held this summer.
P-J photo by Dennis Phillips
Nathan Arnone, Southern Tier Brewing Company media representative, said operating additional company aspects is important for promoting the company's main business of producing beer.
''It is very important for us to have The Empty Pint, our pub, as a tasting room,'' he said. ''The pub is here to showcase our beers. It is an important for the brewery because people can enjoy our product right here at the brewery when the beer is super fresh.''
Arnone said a permanent stage was constructed this year for concerts that will be held at Southern Tier, 2072 Stoneman Circle, Lakewood, this summer.
''Since we moved to our new location, we've had some entertainment and now we have a stage out back,'' he said. ''We just opened it this month when we held a fundraiser for WFRA. The new stage has a lot of room and it is like a little amphitheater.''
Arnone said the stage is near the beer garden outside the business, which has picnic tables and an outdoor bar.
''It is nice, big open area. Very much like a park,'' he said. ''People play frisbee and bocce. It is a nice, relaxed atmosphere where people can really get comfortable.''
Arnone said Big Leg Emma was scheduled to perform this past Saturday. Also, there will be some acoustic concerts held during the week and Summerfest 2012 will be held Saturday, July 28, with a couple reggae bands performing.
For more information on Southern Tier, visit stbcbeer.com/stbc.