The next step in operating a brew pub in downtown Mineola met with approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission Monday.

Following a public hearing that drew no comment, the commission voted unanimously to propose two amendments to the city zoning ordinance.

The city council has final authority and plans to consider the matter April 25.

The two amendments include the table of uses and the alcohol ordinance.

Fire Marshal David Madsen explained that with recent changes made by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, brew pubs are now an acceptable operation, according to the rules adopted when Mineola approved its alcohol sales election, but the city’s zoning ordinance needed adjusting for brew pubs to pass muster.

They will be restricted to certain commercial and industrial zones. Madsen said the city Landmark Commission had no objections to plans to operate a brew pub on W. Commerce between Johnson and Line Streets, within the historic district.

Jason and Holly Herring recently purchased property from the city with plans to open a brew pub, with a restaurant and brewery.

Commission Vice Chairman Demethrius Boyd commented that brew pubs are a big deal for tourism.

The commission also approved a replat of three lots in the Grand Plaza addition, where a new hotel is planned off S. Pacific St.