NORFOLK, Va. — In a 6-1 vote, Norfolk city council approved on Tuesday the permits for Armed Forces Brewery to operate at the location of the former O'Connor's brewery in Ghent.
The move, which was announced by Gov. Glenn Youngkin earlier this year, drew controversy over comments one of the owners made about the LGBTQ community.
"The company is certainly relieved," said Tim Anderson, the attorney for Armed Forces Brewing.
"I wanna thank city council for doing the right thing and following the law," said Alan Beal, CEO of Armed Forces Brewing.
Councilwoman Andria McClellan was the only member to vote against approving the brewery’s permits. McClellan says she voted 'no' due to violations of what she calls significant construction at the property that requires permits.
"I can’t support a conditional use permit for an applicant who currently has stock work orders issued for multiple violations including significant construction inside and pouring large amounts of concrete outside on surfaces," McClellan said. "This was done without pulling any permits which is required by law."
Anderson said that these issues would be addressed.
"There are some permit issues that the contractor has to fix," Anderson said. "Those are getting resolved this week."
Council approved permits that allow for the sale of beer, live entertainment, and for the site to operate as a banquet hall.
Robert O’Neill, a former Navy SEAL who’s part of the brewery’s leadership and owns a 4 percent stake in the company, wrote on social media site X a message criticizing the Navy for using a drag queen as a recruiter. This drew backlash with detractors saying his views are anti-LGBTQ and not aligned with the culture of the neighborhood.
Armed Forces CEO Alan Beal has defended the brewery’s values in response to the opposition. He told News 3 he hopes he's able to brew beer for the military community and create jobs for veterans.
Prior to the council's vote, the Norfolk Planning Commission denied recommending permit approvals. Although some council members didn’t like statements the company’s leadership had previously put out, they say that wasn’t enough to deny a permit.
Norfolk
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"These posts do not respect LGBTQ community, women or Norfolk values. But Armed Forces has a First Amendment right to free speech," said Norfolk Councilwoman Courtney Doyle.
Beal avows that the company is friendly to the LGBTQ community, despite O'Neil's comments, saying that they employ members of the community.
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Brewery coming to Norfolk defends self against backlash over 'divisive' views
During the council meeting Tuesday night, more than 20 residents spoke out against the brewery for O’Neil's comments.
"I am personally and professionally appalled by the misogynistic and homophobic rhetoric being used by Armed Forces Brewing," one speaker said.
Beal says they plan to open in January 2024.
WATCH: Planning commission recommends denial of conditional use permits for Armed Forces Brewing Company
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Letter from brewery lawyer to Norfolk attorney warns against 'playing politics'
Stay with News 3 for updates.
