I found this on wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microbrewery
Look at the South. Almost the entire region is woefully lacking. Willing to bet it has in part something to do with the PITA laws.
TTB is the same across the nation. All they care about is collecting their money and they want to make sure they understand your output so that you aren’t going to fudge any #s. The reason it takes so long or can be so difficult is because, simply, they can.
Our local regulations are pretty strict. There are some laws on the books that are unbelievably stupid. For instance, if you want to open a brew pub in Alabama it has to be on a location that once produced beer legally before. Which is why there are only 3 operating brew pubs in Alabama.
We are trying to change some of these antiquated laws now through the Free The Hops organization.
I can’t tell you exactly how much more difficult the local officials are going to be because we just started dealing with this stuff. We are using an architect to design the layout of the brewery to fend of changes from the Health Dept. and Building Inspector. Not cheap, but worth it in the long run.
Just one more reason to avoid the south 
My relatives used to tell me the same thing. My beer is great. I should open a brewery. My response was always:
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I don’t want to borrow that kind of money from anyone. Those big fermenters look expensive.
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While the actual making of the beer would be relatively do-able, it’s all the marketing & sales b.s. that I have zero desire to deal with.
Thankfully not everyone feels the way I do, otherwise we would have no amazing craft beer.
Wow, FBI background check to run a 7bbl system. Do you know if that’s a TTB or local requirement?
I sure hope this story has a happy ending. 
glitter - take a better look at that map, you’re in one of the pitiful states. While TX might not be considered the South, in terms of that map it is…
I can read a map, but I don’t need it to tell me how bad the local beer options are
All the more reason to open a brewery, see?
My guess would be people have not taken the plunge for reasons not far off from any other person starting a business in general: money, risk, and fear of the unknown (in that order). I’d be willing to bet that on average a homebrewer would much rather jump at the chance to brew professional, than open their own brewpub/brewery. The latter takes much more than just wanting to brew. I love homebrewing and I have been exploring the possibility of opening a brewpub in my area. However, I am aiming more to be a brewpub and business owner, than a brewer. If I was to get serious about it I would hire a brewer with experience. One, because I have no idea how to operate a large scale brewery (or even a 7bbl one for that matter). And two, I think it is asking a bit of oneself to be a brewpub owner and brewer. That’s not saying I wouldn’t be involved in creating the beers I want served at my place, I just think it’s too much for someone to take on. I think owning strictly a brewery and being the brewer is different however, but each poses their own set of unique difficulties.
Yeah, the risk is pretty big. You need to have at least several thousand dollars you don’t mind pissing away. Not a big question mark there; most people are not going to risk actual capital to turn a hobby into a career. I could have invested this money into a different business with much greater chance of success and much less risk. But, damnit - I want to brew beer!
im with you keith, if im going to spend time, money, and effort on running a business, I am going to put everything I got into something I am already passionate about, brewing in my case. It will make all the time, money and effort worth it. Even if the brewery only stays in business, say 3 years, those would still be considered the best 3 years of my career…im very greatful for all the successful breweries out there who took the risk, put the money in, and managed their way through the laws and regulations. Craft Breweries are still popping up all over the country and I hope they continue to do so for years!!!
All this talk is making me thirsty!
That’s the second point I wanted to make, but left it out. People are opening up craft breweries/brewpubs…and they are succeeding. Sure some are closing, but we have no idea why and that is just natural in economics. Every time I start turning away from my idea of starting a pub it’s usually because I think about the risk. However, I am a firm believer that success, especially in the brewing industry, is about the proper planning and constant perseverance. You have to remember that it is always a business first, hobby second. But, when you’re business is your hobby it can be more rewarding. Some people have the perspective that turning a hobby into a career is the worst decision ever. For some people that is probably true and a very valid statement. However, I would love to see a survey done (hint, hint AHA) of brewers who went from homebrewers to pros (most likely near 100%) and either love or hate it, or who would either do it again or never do it again. I have to admit, I envy you Major. You’re living the dream and are either going to succeed or fail, but regardless you have the balls to do it and will never have to ask yourself…what would of happened if I did go ahead with those plans?
I have a demanding day job I really enjoy, a family I love, and I also have a side avocation (writing) that is fairly exacting and sometimes disappointing. Homebrewing is a hobby/craft/art-form that allows me some room for failure without huge disappointment, camaraderie with other homebrewers at all skill levels, and the zen-like relaxation of the occasional “brew day.” I think I almost get more out of planning the brew day than the experience itself… endless tinkering with recipes, mulling over ingredients, etc. It’s a nice escape.
Kudos to those who want to move into brewing as a business… I like knowing I can pour out a bad batch and sleep well that night.
Just let us know when you’re up and running so we can buy some beer.
The bottom line is “big risks for big rewards” and that is the hope.
I’d be happy for just little rewards as long as it gave me enough money to eat (and drink!)
One thing to consider, though, that I meant to bring up but forgot. Any beer consumed off the premises you have to pay taxes on. So, when you go pro, it won’t be like you can just bring a keg home. You will have to pay Uncle Sam for your beer. I am hoping to have the energy to continue homebrewing. I don’t like the idea of having to pay taxes on my personal beer.
What Uncle Sam doesn’t know won’t hurt him…I say take home all the beer you want.
I doubt anybody would want to risk their licensing for a free keg of beer.
There’d be plenty to drink at work. I suspect growlers would go home though from time to time…
We’re talking about $7 a barrel too. Not exactly going to break the bank.