Rehoboth approves expansion for Dogfish brewpub

Rehoboth Beach officials have approved a major expansion of Dogfish Head’s 20-year-old brewpub and distillery.

 

The Daily Times of Salisbury, Maryland reports that Friday’s unanimous approval followed two hours of debate about whether the renovations would comply with the city’s zoning code. Dogfish Head is the nation’s 13th-largest craft brewing company. It’s based in nearby Milton.

The company plans to add 1,500 square feet to the brewpub, adding an outdoor courtyard and a stage area for live concerts. Because Rehoboth Beach has a 5,000-square-foot size cap on restaurants, Dogfish Head attorneys argued the distillery shouldn’t be counted as part of the restaurant. That distinction drew the ire of some commissioners.

They ultimately approved the project while saying the city needs to update its laws to address brewpubs and distilleries.