Jul 24, 2008 11:07 am US/Eastern
Frederick Winery Wins Zoning Victory
FREDERICK, Md. (AP) ―
A winery in downtown Frederick is celebrating a regulatory victory that allows it to expand its operating hours and offer entertainment.
Frederick Cellars was Maryland's first urban winery when it opened nearly two years ago in the Everedy Square antique-shopping district.
The owners wanted to offer live music and special events along with wine sales, but city zoning restrictions forced it to operate as a liquor store.
Now the Board of Zoning Appeals has granted the business a permit enabling it to offer entertainment, host wedding receptions and stay open as late as 10 p.m. weekdays and midnight on weekends.
Urban wineries are located in or near population centers instead of at the vineyards that supply their grapes. The Maryland Winery Association says others have opened in St. Michael's and Manchester since Frederick Cellars began operations in late 2006.
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