CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) -
It's the start of Craft Beer Week and hundreds of people are expected to crowd into Visulite Theatre Friday night, when more than 20 breweries will bring their rarest beers.
Experts say this is just another example of the appetite Charlotte has for beer.
"Charlotte is a relatively young crowd" says Todd Ford. "They recognize that actually it's something they like here in Charlotte. They like going to breweries to try new beers."
So some breweries are hoping city leaders reduce restrictions for where breweries can be located. The city has about eight breweries. Most of them opened during the last two to four years.
Currently, breweries are zoned in heavy industrial areas. But Ford, who owns NoDa Brewery Company says the city is running of industrial space.
A company that wants to open a new brewery is hoping the city reduces restrictions.
"I'm looking forward to more breweries moving to Charlotte. It's a type of business if another brewery is going to be successful in town - it generally helps us out as well" says Ford.
The City's Planning Department is holding a series of public hearings to see which restrictions could be reduced, and how to fit breweries into other parts of the city.
Ford believes "it's a sign Charlotte is moving, trying to find new ways to grow business."
The next public hearing is scheduled for March 18th.
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