The Town of Columbus opened its highway commercial district to allow micro-breweries and distilleries after a request from Winding Creek Brewing Company.

Columbus Town Council met Dec. 8 for a public hearing and special meeting on a zoning ordinance amendment to allow the use.

Council approved allowing micro-breweries and distilleries in the highway commercial district by a 3-1 vote with councilman Richard Hall being the sole vote against.

Winding Creek Brewing Company is proposed to be located 322 East Mills Street (Hwy. 108) in a building formerly occupied by Huckleberry’s restaurant and the Music Shed just outside downtown Columbus.

Winding Creek Brewing Company is owned by Les Potter, who said he hopes to open sometime in January. Permits take time after the use and building are secured so Potter said he will first start a tap room with craft beer from North and South Carolina. He also has plans for music.

There is also a restaurant proposing to open in the front of the building, according to Potter.

During last week’s public hearing, Polk County Economic Development Director Robert Williamson spoke in favor of the brewing company saying that end of Columbus is “ripe for business.”

Williamson said he sees opportunities for dining and retail sales in Columbus and he is currently speaking with seven businesses that want to be located in Columbus and there are no spaces available.

“We’ve got thousands of visitors who come to Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) who have discovered Columbus,” Williamson said. “All businesses have experienced a growth spurt.”

Williamson also said 2016 will offer significant growth opportunities for Columbus and craft brewing has grown significantly in America with 4,144 total breweries currently. He said it’s almost an artistic food craft and is a totally different market than beer sales.

Williamson said Columbus had the opportunity to support two new businesses with the approval between the brewery and a restaurant, which will mean opportunities for new employees working in Columbus.

Councilman Josh Denton said he works in Asheville and micro-breweries are booming there. He said when people say “brewery” a lot of people may think of a bar, but that’s not the case. He said he is in support of Columbus allowing the use.

Councilwoman Margaret Metcalf said the ones she’s seen have been nicely constructed, some with copper, and thinks it would a drawing card, especially since Columbus does not have a lot of opportunities in terms of growth.

Hall said when he moved to Columbus the county was dry and the town was dry in terms of alcohol sales. He said he took great pride in living in a dry town/county and it’s been whittled away.

Potter said after the approval he plans to apply for state permitting immediately to begin crafting beer there as soon as possible.