Humboldt City Council approved a pair of Discretionary Use Applications at its Monday, March 27 regular meeting. Both dealt with business enterprises anticipated to start up within a year. 

The Humboldt Co-op’s application for its proposed liquor store was reviewed and approved. The previous application had the liquor store adjacent to Highway 5 adopted. The decision to move the building adjoining the Co-op Food Store in Humboldt required separate application and approval. 

The second application approved by Council was for a brew pub and distillery proposed for a location at 520 9th St. in Humboldt. Prairie Sentinel Craft Ale Works made the application, and owners Paul Tokarski and Jake Berg attended the meeting to respond to Council’s questions.

Tokarski explained that the food service at the proposed pub would be limited to fresh prep like soup and sandwich fare and that the enterprise was looking to add to existing business and not be detrimental to established restaurants.

“We really want to introduce a lot of local artisans that way - local butchers, local art on the wall that we can offer for sale, paint nights.” explained Tokarski. “It’s whatever we can do to support the local community and the established businesses in Humboldt already. We’d rather partner with them.”

Asked about the residual grains following the brewing process, Tokarski noted that there are uses such as chicken feed or pet treats, and he’s willing to hop on board if any entrepreneurs are looking to enter those markets. 

Councillor Rob Muench congratulated the owners on their initiative, and he wished them luck in their enterprise.

“I think this is something that’s very good for our community,” said Muench. I think it’s something that’s going to be well received by the community.”

The business will still need to comply with all regulatory codes from SLGA and other agencies.