East Lyme — A business owner hoping to install a taproom brewery in downtown Niantic is asking the Zoning Commission to revise some of its regulations.

A public hearing and special meeting on the proposal to change certain regulations to allow the operation of a taproom brewery will take place at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Town Hall.

The applicant, Todd Sakowski of Ledyard, said he and his wife, Jennifer, want to start up a small taproom brewery, called Niantic Public House and Brewery, with a three-barrel system that could brew a variety of beers, particularly IPAs.

As a first step, Sakowski is applying for changes to the town's zoning regulations that would allow the establishment.

On Wednesday, the commission will consider requested revisions to allow a taproom brewery within a commercial zone, called a CB commercial district, if a special permit is obtained. This zone is intended as the town's "main commercial enterprises," according to the regulations.

The proposal stipulates that a taproom brewery within the commercial zone could produce no more than 155,000 gallons each year and would have to sell through retail sales in the taproom at least half of the beer produced.

Under the proposed regulations, an agent for a taproom brewery could "apply for and operate under a manufacturer permit for the production of alcoholic liquor or beverage."

The proposal defines a taproom brewery as "an establishment whose principal business is the manufacture and sale of malt beverages made from the fermentation of malt with or without cereal grains or other fermentable sugars or hops via retail sales through a taproom for on or off site consumption."

Existing zoning regulations say hotels and restaurants within a commercial or light industrial district may be permitted to sell alcohol, though there are certain restrictions. A grocery store can also apply for a grocery beer permit.

If the Zoning Commission approves the revised regulations, Sakowski said he would then apply for a special permit from the town and seek state and federal licensing. If the approvals are received, the Sakowskis hope to open up in January.

Their goal is for a brewery and taproom that would serve the beer on the premises, with very little, if any, distribution, said Sakowski. He has tentatively identified 243 Main St. as the location.

Sakowski said taproom breweries have been popping up across the state in recent years, but, compared to places like New Haven, there are relatively few in the area.

"We're very excited to bring one to this area," he said.

k.drelich@theday.com

Twitter: @KimberlyDrelich