Why is the Partnership supportive of live entertainment?
Supports the craft beverage industry as an economic generator in Downtown Frederick, the City of Frederick and Frederick County:
- As stated in a joint resolution adopted November 11, 1994, “… in a strong commitment to continued economic vitality of downtown Frederick, the Board of County Commissioners of Frederick County and the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of Frederick have as their policy the retention and expansion of government services in downtown Frederick City.”
- A busy tasting room can make the difference between success and failure. Offering entertainment is one tool to attract more people and support tasting room success.
- As of the last count, Frederick County leads the state in the combined number of wineries, breweries and distilleries. Frederick County has a total number of 30 wineries, breweries, distilleries, cideries and meaderies. Since 2015, distilleries have grown by 300%, craft breweries have grown by 125%, farm breweries have grown by 67% and wineries have grown by 27%.
- In 2016, Frederick was ranked #17 in the Best Cities in the World for Craft Beer by Matador Network.
- Downtown Frederick is home to the Maryland Craft Beer Festival.
- Frederick City and County’s comprehensive and strategic approach to growing the craft beverage industry has been used as an example of best practices in numerous forums. OED staff have been fortunate to share how Frederick County has worked to support this industry at the Rural Maryland Summit on the Value Added Agriculture Panel and at a Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) conference in 2017.
Entertainment as a conditional use is consistent with adopted City policy
Restaurants currently have the opportunity to offer live entertainment at their venues as a conditional use. The Partnership believes it is consistent with City policy to offer the same approach to the craft beverage community.
Adopted by the Partnership Board November 19, 2018.
Stay Informed
Stay up to date on everything happening in Downtown Frederick by signing up to receive our newsletter