The White Bear Lake City Council unanimously approved an amendment to the city's municipal liquor license code that would allow microbreweries with taprooms to operate in the city. It also amended the city zoning code to allow those types of establishments only downtown.

Last week's vote was the first of many that the council and planning commission will take over the next two months as officials craft language that would allow the beer to flow.

City officials began looking at changing the ordinance and zoning code to fit the needs of Big Wood Brewery, which is seeking permission to open a microbrewery in the lower level of a building at 2222 4th St.

Microbreweries could be a maximum of 5,000 square feet, must have a small taproom and produce specialty beers to be consumed on site. Big Wood Brewery would make 1,000 to 2,000 barrels a year on site, but would not be able to sell food. The ordinance would not preclude others from setting up similar operations.