1 of 5

Corey Bolton and Scott Way enjoy a glass of beer at Natchez Brewing Company last July when the state law went into effect allowing Mississippi breweries to sell limited amounts of their locally produced beer. (file photo)

Will Doran and Aly Doran enjoy a beer and visit with their puppy, Pontos, at Natchez Brewing Company Saturday on the first day breweries could sell beer on site in Mississippi. (Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

Natchez Brewing Company Owner, Lisa Miller carriers growlers to the back of the brewery. (Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

(Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

(Nicole Hester / The Natchez Democrat)

by DAVID HAMILTON

NATCHEZ — Natchez Brewing Company celebrated Saturday the ability to sell beer on-site for the first time.

Thanks to a state law approved earlier this year, which took effect Saturday, Mississippi breweries are now allowed to sell limited amounts of their beer within their premises.

“Now that we’re allowed to have on-site sales, there will be an increase in revenue,” Natchez Brewing Company founder Lisa Miller said. “We’ll also be able to hire more people.”

Her husband, Patrick Miller, creates the recipes and brews for the company.

“It’s always been a big disadvantage for Mississippi breweries,” Patrick Miller said. “It’s a competitive edge that we didn’t have until now.

“This just allows us to grow and produce a bit more.”

The brewery held a kick-off event Saturday.

“I think it’s a good idea to sell beer on their grounds,” participant Jake McKinney said.

Though McKinney has been a fan of the company for a while, especially the Bluff City Blonde ale, McKinney said he has never had a real reason to visit the brewery until now.

Louisiana native Hannah Heval believes this moment has been long overdue for Mississippi breweries.

“I’m not from here, but I thought it was really weird when I heard they could not sell (on-site),” Heval said.

“It’s really nice. I feel like it will attract tourists.”

Despite the excitement, Patrick Miller said the brewery is limiting its hours to ensure no other Natchez businesses are harmed.

“We really don’t want to hurt the folks that have always supported us,” he said.

The breweries new hours are Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 1 to 8 p.m.

For more information, visit natchezbrew.com.

More News

No word on when Magnolia Bluffs will reopen

‘Still fighting for justice’: 13-year-old’s poetry on display at Natchez Museum of African American History

DECISION 2024: Live precinct results for Concordia Parish

DECISION 2024: Live precinct results for Adams County