Vermont Pub and Brewery

Prior to opening the Vermont Pub & Brewery, Greg Noonan enlisted the aid of Bill Mares, then state legislator, to seek changes in the existing legislation governing the on-site sale of manufactured beer. Greg, with Bill’s help rewrote the current language of law to allow manufacturers to sell their malt beverages on-site. After a certain amount of drafting acrobatics, that idea found favor with the Liquor Control Board, and then progressively with four legislative committees, both legislative chambers, and finally the governor. In late 1988, Noonan’s Vermont Pub and Brewery opened its doors (and taps). Burlington had its first brewery in ninety-four years. Today, every brewery that offers their beer for consumption on their brewery premises owes a debt of gratitude to both Greg and Bill for their efforts. Below is Greg and Nancy Noonan with Bill Mares cutting the ribbon on opening day at VPB.