Griffith board backs Pokro microbrewery

GRIFFITH — The town could add its name to the growing list of communities with its own craft beer by the end of summer.

The Board of Zoning Appeals at its Wednesday night meeting approved 5-0 a favorable recommendation for a special-use variance for Pokro Brewing Co. Inc. to house a microbrewery and tasting room at 311 N. Broad St. The building would feature a 700-square-foot tasting room and brewing area big enough for three, 31-gallon barrels and nine holding tanks.

Co-owner Joe Pokropinski told the board that brewing would occur starting late afternoons during the week, and the tasting room would be open during the weekends at first. His beer — he plans to rotate four or five flavors — will be sold in growlers.

If business does well, he and wife and co-owner, Robyn Pokropinski, would consider keeping the tasting room open Tuesday through Sunday.

Barb Schweitzer, who lives next door to the proposed microbrewery, at first remonstrated against the idea, saying she was concerned about the smell breweries can emit as well as safety. After hearing Pokropinski’s plan, she withdrew her complaint.

“Really, I was worried about something blowing up,” she said. “We have a garage and a shed right next to the building.”

Schweitzer also wondered whether the tasting room will need a bar license to run the tasting room since there will be drinking on the premises. Robyn Pokropinski said they’re in the process of applying for the correct state and federal licensing, which is different than a bar license and takes approximately three months to procure.

Board member Tom Wichlinski said he welcomes the idea of a microbrewery downtown.

“It’s becoming more and more common in Lake County. If you look at the model, Three Floyds runs a tasting room, and look where they are now,” Wichlinski said.