EXHIBIT 10.31

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                       REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM SB-2



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        BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT WITH THE SAVINGS BANK OF MENDOCINO COUNTY



BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT

Borrower:  Mendocino  Brewing  Company,  a  California  Corporation  PO Box  400
Hopland, CA 95449

Lender:  SAVINGS BANK OF MENDOCINO COUNTY MAIN OFFICE PO. Box 3600 200 N. School
Street Ukiah, CA 95482

THIS BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT  between  Mendocino  Brewing Company,  a California
corporation ("Borrower") and SAVINGS BANK OF MENDOCINO COUNTY ("Lender") la made
and executed on the following terms and conditions.  Borrower has received prior
commercial  loans from Lender or has applied to Lender for a commercial  loan or
loans and other financial accommodations, Including those which may be described
on any  exhibit  or  schedule  attached  to this  Agreement.  All such loans and
financial   accommodations,   together  with  all  future  loans  and  financial
accommodations  from  Lender to  Borrower,  are  referred  to In this  Agreement
Individually as the "Loan" and collectively as the "Loans." Borrower understands
and agrees tied:  (a) In granting,  renewing,  or extending any Loan,  Lender Is
relying upon Borrower's  representations,  warranties,  and  agreements,  as set
forth In this Agreement; (b) the granting, renewing, or extending of any Loan by
Lender at all times shall be subject to Lender's sole  Judgment and  discretion;
and (c) all such Loans shall be and shall remain subject to the following  terms
and conditions of this Agreement.

TERM.  This  Agreement  shall be effective as of September  26, 1996,  and shall
continue  thereafter  until all  Indebtedness  of  Borrower  to Lender  has been
performed in full and the parties terminate this Agreement in writing.

DEFINITIONS.  The following words shall have the following meanings when used in
this  Agreement.  Terms not otherwise  defined in this Agreement  shall have the
meanings attributed to such terms in the Uniform Commercial Code. All references
to dollar  amounts  shall mean amounts in lawful  money of the United  States of
America.

Agreement.  The word  "Agreement"  means this Business Loan  Agreement,  as this
Business Loan  Agreement may be amended or modified from time to time,  together
with all exhibits and schedules  attached to this Business Loan  Agreement  from
time to time.

Borrower.  The word "Borrower"  means Mendocino  Brewing  Company,  a California
corporation.  The word "Borrower" also includes, as applicable, all subsidiaries
and  affiliates  of  Borrower  as  provided   below  in  the  paragraph   titled
"Subsidiaries and Affiliates."

CERCLA.  The word  "CERCLA"  means  the  Comprehensive  Environmental  Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended.

Cash Flow.  The words "Cash Flow" mean net income after taxes,  and exclusive of
extraordinary gains and income, plus depreciation and amortization.

Collateral.  The word  "Collateral"  means and includes  without  limitation all
property and assets granted as collateral  security for a Loan,  whether real or
personal property,  whether granted 

EXHIBIT 10.31



directly  or  indirectly,  whether  granted  now or in the  future,  and whether
granted in the form of a security interest, mortgage, deed of trust, assignment,
pledge,  chattel  mortgage,  chattel  trust,  factor's  lien,  equipment  trust,
conditional sale, trust receipt, lien, charge, lien or title retention contract,
lease or  consignment  intended as a security  device,  or any other security or
lien interest whatsoever, whether created by law, contract, or otherwise.

Debt. The word "Debt" means all of Borrower's liabilities excluding Subordinated
Debt.

ERISA.  The word "ERISA" means the Employee  Retirement  Income  Security Act of
1974, as amended.

Event of  Default.  The  words  "Event  of  Default"  mean and  include  without
limitation  any of the Events of Default set forth  below in the section  titled
"Events OF DEFAULT."

Grantor.  The word "Grantor" means and includes without  limitation each and all
of the persons or entities  granting a Security  Interest in any  Collateral for
the  Indebtedness,  including without  limitation all Borrowers  granting such a
Security Interest.

Guarantor.  The word "Guarantor" means and includes without  limitation each and
all of the guarantors,  sureties,  and accommodation  parties in connection with
any Indebtedness.

Indebtedness.  The word "indebtedness" means and includes without limitation all
Loans, together with all other obligations, debts and liabilities of Borrower to
Lender,  or any one or more of them,  as well as all  claims by  Lender  against
Borrower,  or any  one or more  of  them;  whether  now or  hereafter  existing,
voluntary or involuntary, due or not due, absolute or contingent,  liquidated or
unliquidated;  whether  Borrower  may be liable  individually  or  jointly  with
others; whether Borrower may be obligated as a guarantor,  surety, or otherwise;
whether recovery upon such Indebtedness may be or hereafter may become barred by
any statute of limitations;  and whether such  Indebtedness  may be or hereafter
may become otherwise unenforceable.

Lender. The word "Lender" means SAVINGS BANK OF MENDOCINO COUNTY, its successors
and assigns.

Liquid  Assets.  The words  "Liquid  Assets" mean  Borrower's  cash on hand plus
Borrower's readily marketable securities.

Loan. The word "Loan" or "Loans" means and includes  without  limitation any and
all  commercial  loans and  financial  accommodations  from Lender to  Borrower,
whether now or hereafter  existing,  and however  evidenced,  including  without
limitation  those  loans  and  financial   accommodations  described  herein  or
described  on any exhibit or schedule  attached to this  Agreement  from time to
time.

Note.  The  word  "Note"  means  and  includes  without  limitation   Borrower's
promissory  note or notes, if any,  evidencing  Borrower's Loan n obligations in
favor of Lender,  as well as any substitute,  replacement or refinancing note or
notes therefor.


EXHIBIT 10.31
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Permitted  Liens.  The words  "Permitted  Liens"  mean:  (a) liens and  security
interests securing Indebtedness owed by Borrower to Lender; (b) liens for taxes,
assessments,  or similar  charges either not yet due or being  contested in good
faith; (c) liens of materialmen,  mechanics, warehousemen, or carriers, or other
like liens arising in the ordinary  course of business and securing  obligations
which  are not yet  delinquent;  (d)  purchase  money  liens or  purchase  money
security  interests upon or in any property  acquired or held by Borrower in the
ordinary  course of business to secure  indebtedness  outstanding on the date of
this Agreement or permitted to be incurred under the paragraph of this Agreement
titled  "Indebtedness and Liens";  (e) liens and security interests which, as of
the date of this Agreement, have been disclosed to and approved by the Lender in
writing;  and  (f)those  liens and  security  interests  which in the  aggregate
constitute an immaterial and  insignificant  monetary amount with respect to the
net value of Borrower's assets.

Related  Documents.  The words  "Related  Documents"  mean and  include  without
limitation  all  promissory   notes,   credit   agreements,   loan   agreements,
environmental agreements,  guaranties, security agreements,  mortgages, deeds of
trust,  and all other  instruments,  agreements  and  documents,  whether now or
hereafter existing, executed in connection with the Indebtedness.

Security  Agreement.  The words  "Security  Agreement"  mean and include without
limitation any agreements,  promises, covenants,  arrangements understandings or
other agreements,  whether created by law, contract,  or otherwise,  evidencing,
governing, representing, or creating a Security Interest.

Security  Interest.  The  words  "Security  interest  mean and  include  without
limitation  any  type of  collateral  security,  whether  in the form of a lien,
charge, mortgage, deed of trust, assignment,  pledge, chattel mortgage,  chattel
trust, factor's lien, equipment trust,  conditional sale, trust receipt, lien or
title retention contract, lease or consignment intended as a security device, or
any  other  security  or  lien  interest  whatsoever,  whether  created  by law,
contract, or otherwise.

SARA. The word "SARA" means the Superfund  Amendments and Reauthorization Act of
1986 as now or hereafter amended.

Subordinated   Debt.  The  words   "Subordinated   Debt  mean  indebtedness  and
liabilities of Borrower  which have been  subordinated  by written  agreement to
indebtedness  owed by Borrower  to Lender in form and  substance  acceptable  to
Lender.

Tangible Net Worth.  The words "Tangible Net Worth" mean Borrower's total assets
excluding  all  intangible   assets  (i.e.,   goodwill,   trademarks,   patents,
copyrights, organizational expenses, and similar intangible items, but including
leaseholds and leasehold improvements) less total Debt.

Working  Capital.  The words "Working  Capital" mean Borrower's  current assets,
excluding prepaid expenses, less Borrower's current liabilities.

CONDITIONS  PRECEDENT TO EACH ADVANCE.  Lender's  obligation to make the initial
Loan Advance and each  subsequent  Loan Advance  under this  Agreement  shall be
subject to the 


EXHIBIT 10.31
                                      - 3 -


fulfillment to Lender's  satisfaction of all of the conditions set forth in this
Agreement and in the Related Documents.

Loan Documents.  Borrower shall provide to Lender in form satisfactory to Lender
the following  documents  for the Loan:  (a) the Note,  (b) Security  Agreements
granting  to  Lender  security  interests  in  the  Collateral,   (c)  Financing
Statements perfecting Lender's Security Interests,  (d) evidence of insurance as
required below; and (e) any other documents  required under this Agreement or by
Lender or its counsel, including without limitation any subordinations described
below.

Borrower's  Authorization.  Borrower  shall have  provided in form and substance
satisfactory  to Lender properly  certified  resolutions,  duly  authorizing the
execution and delivery of this  Agreement,  the Note and the Related  Documents,
and such other  authorizations  and other documents and instruments as Lender or
its counsel, in their sole discretion, may require.

Payment  of Fees and  Expenses.  Borrower  shall  have paid to Lender  all fees,
charges,  and other expenses which are then due and payable as specified in this
Agreement or any Related Document.

Representations and Warranties.  The representations and warranties set forth in
this  Agreement,  in the Related  Documents,  and in any document or certificate
delivered to Lender under this Agreement are true and correct.

No Event of  Default.  There  shall  not  exist  at the  time of any  advance  a
condition which would constitute an Event of Default under this Agreement.

REPRESENTATIONS  AND WARRANTIES.  Borrower represents and warrants to Lender, as
of the  date of this  Agreement,  as of the  date of each  disbursement  of Loan
proceeds, as of the date of any renewal,  extension or modification of any Loan,
and at all times any Indebtedness exists:

Organization.  Borrower  is a  corporation  which  is  duly  organized,  validly
existing,  and in good standing under the laws of the State of California and is
validly  existing and in good standing in all states in which  Borrower is doing
business. Borrower has the full power and authority to own its properties and to
transact the businesses in which it is presently  engaged or presently  proposes
to engage.  Borrower also is duly qualified as a foreign  corporation  and is in
good  standing  in all states in which the  failure  to so qualify  would have a
material adverse effect on its businesses or financial condition.

Authorization.  The execution,  delivery,  and performance of this Agreement and
all Related  Documents by Borrower,  to the extent to be executed,  delivered or
performed by Borrower,  have been duly  authorized  by all  necessary  action by
Borrower; do not require the consent or approval of any other person, regulatory
authority or governmental  body; and do not conflict with, result in a violation
of,  or  constitute  a  default  under  (a) any  provision  of its  articles  of
incorporation or organization,  or bylaws,  or any agreement or other instrument
binding upon Borrower or (b) any law, governmental regulation,  court decree, or
order applicable to Borrower.

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Financial  Information.  Each financial statement of Borrower supplied to Lender
truly and completely  disclosed Borrower's financial condition as of the date of
the  statement,  and there has been no  material  adverse  change in  Borrower's
financial  condition  subsequent  to the  date  of  the  most  recent  financial
statement supplied to Lender.  Borrower has no material  contingent  obligations
except as disclosed in such financial statements.

Legal  Effect.  This  Agreement  constitutes,  and any  instrument  or agreement
required  hereunder  to be given by Borrower  when  delivered  will  constitute,
legal, valid and binding obligations of Borrower enforceable against Borrower in
accordance with their respective terms.

Properties.  Except as contemplated by this Agreement or as previously disclosed
in  Borrower's  financial  statements or in writing to Lender and as accepted by
Lender,  and  except  for  property  tax liens for taxes not  presently  due and
payable,  Borrower owns and has good title to all of Borrower's  properties free
and clear of all Security Interests, and has not executed any security documents
or  financing  statements  relating  to  such  properties.   All  of  Borrower's
properties  are titled in Borrower's  legal name,  and Borrower has not used, or
filed a financing statement under, any other name for at least the last five (5)
years.

Hazardous  Substances.  The  terms  "hazardous  waste,.  "hazardous  substance,"
"disposal,"  "release,"  and  "threatened  release," as used in this  Agreement,
shall have the same meanings as set forth in the "CERCLA," "SARA," the Hazardous
Materials  Transportation  Act, 49 U.S.C.  Section 1801,  et seq.,  the Resource
Conservation  and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C.  Section  6901, et seq.,  Chapters 6.5
through 7.7 of Division 20 of the  California  Health and Safety  Code,  Section
25100, et seq., or other applicable state or Federal laws, rules, or regulations
adopted  pursuant  to  any  of  the  foregoing.   Except  as  disclosed  to  and
acknowledged  by Lender in writing,  Borrower  represents and warrants that: (a)
During the period of Borrower's  ownership of the properties,  there has been no
use,  generation,   manufacture,   storage,  treatment,   disposal,  release  or
threatened  release of any hazardous waste or substance by any person on, under,
about or from any of the properties. (b) Borrower has no knowledge of, or reason
to believe that there has been (i) any use,  generation,  manufacture,  storage,
treatment,  disposal,  release,  or threatened release of any hazardous waste or
substance  on,  under,  about or from the  properties  by any  prior  owners  or
occupants of any of the properties,  or (ii) any actual or threatened litigation
or  claims of any kind by any  person  relating  to such  matters.  (c)  Neither
Borrower nor any tenant,  contractor,  agent or other  authorized user of any of
the properties shall use, generate,  manufacture,  store, treat,  dispose of, or
release any hazardous  waste or substance  on,  under,  about or from any of the
properties;  and any such  activity  shall be conducted in  compliance  with all
applicable  federal,  state,  and  local  laws,  regulations,   and  ordinances,
including without  limitation those laws,  regulations and ordinances  described
above. Borrower authorizes Lender and its agents to enter upon the properties to
make such  inspections  and tests as Lender may deem  appropriate  to  determine
compliance of the properties with this section of the Agreement. Any inspections
or tests made by Lender shall be at Borrower's expense and for Lender's purposes
only and shall not be construed to create any responsibility or liability on the
part of Lender to  Borrower  or to any other  person.  The  representations  and
warranties   contained   herein  are  based  on  Borrower's   due  diligence  in
investigating  the  properties  for hazardous  waste and  hazardous  substances.
Borrower  hereby (a) releases and waives any future  claims  against  Lender for
indemnity or  contribution  in the event Borrower  becomes liable for cleanup or
other costs under any such laws,  and (b) agrees


EXHIBIT 10.31
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to  indemnify  and hold  harmless  Lender  against any and all  claims,  losses,
liabilities,  damages,  penalties,  and  expenses  which  Lender may directly or
indirectly  sustain  or suffer  resulting  from a breach of this  section of the
Agreement  or as a  consequence  of any use,  generation,  manufacture,  storage
disposal,  release or threatened release occurring prior to Borrower's ownership
or interest in the  properties,  whether or not the same was or should have been
known to Borrower.  The provisions of this section of the  Agreement,  including
the obligation to indemnify,  shall survive the payment of the  Indebtedness and
the  termination  or expiration  of this  Agreement and shall not be affected by
Lender's  acquisition  of any  interest  in any of the  properties,  whether  by
foreclosure or otherwise.

Litigation  and Claims.  No  litigation,  claim,  investigation,  administrative
proceeding or similar action (including those for unpaid taxes) against Borrower
is pending or  threatened,  and no other event has occurred which may materially
adversely  affect  Borrower's  financial  condition  or  properties,  other than
litigation,  claims,  or other events,  if any, that have been  disclosed to and
acknowledged by Lender in writing.

Taxes.  To the best of  Borrower's  knowledge,  all tax  returns  and reports of
Borrower that are or were required to be filed,  have been filed, and all taxes,
assessments and other governmental  charges have been paid in full, except those
presently  being or to be  contested  by Borrower in good faith in the  ordinary
course of business and for which adequate reserves have been provided.

Lien  Priority.  Unless  otherwise  previously  disclosed  to Lender in writing,
Borrower has not entered into or granted any Security  Agreements,  or permitted
the filing or  attachment  of any Security  Interests on or affecting any of the
Collateral  directly or indirectly  securing  repayment of  Borrower's  Loan and
Note,  that  would  be  prior or that  may in any way be  superior  to  Lender's
Security Interests and rights in and to such Collateral.

Binding Effect.  This Agreement,  the Note, all Security  Agreements directly or
indirectly securing repayment of Borrower's Loan and Note and all of the Related
Documents  are  binding  upon  Borrower as well as upon  Borrower's  successors,
representatives  and assigns,  and are legally  enforceable  in accordance  with
their respective terms.

Commercial  Purposes.  Borrower  intends  to use the Loan  proceeds  solely  for
business or commercial related purposes.

Employee Benefit Plans. Each employee benefit plan as to which Borrower may have
any liability complies in all material respects with all applicable requirements
of law and regulations,  and (i) no Reportable Event nor Prohibited  Transaction
(as defined in ERISA) has occurred with respect to any such plan,  (ii) Borrower
has not withdrawn from any such plan or initiated steps to do so, (iii) no steps
have been  taken to  terminate  any such plan,  and (iv)  there are no  unfunded
liabilities other than those previously disclosed to Lender in writing. 

Location of Borrower's  Offices and Records.  Borrower's  place of business,  or
Borrower's  chief  executive  office,  if  Borrower  has more  than one place of
business,  is located at PO Box 400,  

EXHIBIT 10.31
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Hopland,  CA 95449.  Unless  Borrower has  designated  otherwise in writing this
location  is also the  office  or  offices  where  Borrower  keeps  its  records
concerning the Collateral.

Information All information  heretofore or contemporaneously  herewith furnished
by Borrower to Lender for the purposes of or in connection  with this  Agreement
or any  transaction  contemplated  hereby  is,  and  all  information  hereafter
furnished  by or on behalf of Borrower  to Lender will be, true and  accurate in
every  material  respect  on the date as of which such  information  is dated or
certified;  and none of such information is or will be incomplete by omitting to
state any material fact necessary to make such information not misleading.

Survival of Representations and Warranties. Borrower understands and agrees that
Lender,   without   independent   investigation,   is  relying  upon  the  above
representations and warranties in extending Loan Advances to Borrower.  Borrower
further  agrees  that the  foregoing  representations  and  warranties  shall be
continuing  in nature and shall  remain in full force and effect until such time
as Borrower's  Indebtedness shall be paid in full, or until this Agreement shall
be terminated in the manner provided above, whichever is the last to occur.

AFFIRMATIVE  COVENANTS.  Borrower  covenants and agrees with Lender that,  while
this Agreement is in effect, Borrower will:

Litigation.  Promptly  inform  Lender in  writing  of (a) all  material  adverse
changes  in  Borrower's  financial  condition,  and  (b)  all  existing  and all
threatened litigation,  claims,  investigations,  administrative  proceedings or
similar  actions  affecting  Borrower or any  Guarantor  which could  materially
affect the  financial  condition of Borrower or the  financial  condition of any
Guarantor.

Financial  Records.  Maintain its books and records in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles, applied on a consistent basis, and permit Lender
to examine and audit Borrower's books and records at all reasonable times.

Financial Statements. Furnish Lender with, as soon as available, but in no event
later than one  hundred  twenty  (120) days after the end of each  fiscal  year,
Borrower's  balance sheet and income statement for the year ended,  audited by a
certified public accountant  satisfactory to Lender,  and, as soon as available,
but in no event  later  than  thirty  (30)  days  after  the end of each  month,
Borrower's  balance  sheet and profit and loss  statement  for the period ended,
prepared and certified as correct to the best knowledge and belief by Borrower's
chief  financial  officer or other officer or person  acceptable to Lender.  All
financial reports required to be provided under this Agreement shall be prepared
in  accordance  with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles,  applied on a
consistent basis, and certified by Borrower as being true and correct.

Additional  Information.  Furnish such  additional  information  and statements,
lists of assets and liabilities,  agings of receivables and payables,  inventory
schedules,  budgets,  forecasts,  tax returns, and other reports with respect to
Borrower's  financial  condition  and business  operations as Lender may request
from time to time.

Financial Covenants and Ratios.  Comply with the following covenants and ratios:
Except as provided above, all computations made to determine compliance with the
requirements  contained 

EXHIBIT 10.31
                                     - 7 -


in this paragraph shall be made in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles,  applied on a consistent  basis,  and certified by Borrower as being
true and correct.

Insurance.  Maintain fire and other risk insurance,  public liability insurance,
and such  other  insurance  as Lender may  require  with  respect to  Borrower's
properties  and  operations,  in form,  amounts,  coverages  and with  insurance
companies  reasonably  acceptable to Lender.  Borrower,  upon request of Lender,
will  deliver  to  Lender  from time to time the  policies  or  certificates  of
insurance in form satisfactory to Lender,  including stipulations that coverages
will not be  cancelled  or  diminished  without  at least ten (10)  days'  prior
written  notice  to  Lender.   Each  insurance  policy  also  shall  include  an
endorsement  providing  that coverage in favor of Lender will not be impaired in
any way by any act,  omission  or default of Borrower  or any other  person.  In
connection with all policies covering assets in which Lender holds or is offered
a security  interest for the Loans,  Borrower will provide Lender with such loss
payable or other endorsements as Lender may require.

Insurance Reports.  Furnish to Lender,  upon request of Lender,  reports on each
existing  insurance  policy  showing such  information  as Lender may reasonably
request,  including  without  limitation  the  following:  (a)  the  name of the
insurer; (b) the risks insured; (c) the amount of the policy; (d) the properties
insured;  (e) the then current  property  values on the basis of which insurance
has been  obtained,  and the manner of  determining  those  values;  and (f) the
expiration date of the policy. In addition,  upon request of Lender (however not
more  not  than   annually),   Borrower  will  have  an  independent   appraiser
satisfactory  to Lender  determine,  as  applicable,  the  actual  cash value or
replacement cost of any Collateral.  The cost of such appraisal shall be paid by
Borrower.

Subordination.  Prior to disbursement of any Loan proceeds,  deliver to Lender a
subordination agreement on Lender's forms, executed by Borrower's creditor named
below,  subordinating all of Borrower's  indebtedness to such creditor,  or such
lesser  amount  as may be  agreed to by  Lender  in  writing,  and any  security
interests in  collateral  securing that  indebtedness  to the Loans and security
interests of Lender.

Name of Creditor

Amount

Cordes P.  Langley,  a  married  man on  undivided  38/144  Interest;  Philip G.
Langley,  a married man, on undivided  38/144  Interest;  Ellen J. Alexander,  a
married woman, on undivided 38/144 Interest;  and David C. Dutton,  Jr. and Grey
M. Dutton, Trustees, The David C. Dutton, Jr. and Grey M. Dutton Revocable Trust

dated October 31,1989 on undivided 30/144 Interest  $264,567.58

Other Agreements.  Comply with all terms and conditions of all other agreements,
whether now or  hereafter  existing,  between  Borrower  and any other party and
notify Lender immediately in writing of any default in connection with any other
such agreements.

EXHIBIT 10.31
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Loan Fees and  Charges.  In addition to all other  agreed upon fees and charges,
pay the following:  2% construction  loan origination fee and a 1 1/2% permanent
loan origination fee, $275.00 Loan  Documentation  Fee, $950.00  Inspection fee,
$2,500.00 Legal Reimbursement fee.

Loan Proceeds. Use all Loan proceeds solely for the following specific purposes:
construction  of a 62000 sq. ft. Brewery  facility which will be located at 1601
Airport Road, Ukiah, CA.

Taxes, Charges and Liens. Pay and discharge when due all of its indebtedness and
obligations,  including without limitation all assessments,  taxes, governmental
charges,  levies and liens,  of every kind and nature,  imposed upon Borrower or
its properties,  income, or profits,  prior to the date on which penalties would
attach,  and all lawful  claims that,  if unpaid,  might become a lien or charge
upon any of Borrower's properties income, or profits. Provided however, Borrower
will not be required to pay and  discharge  any such  assessment,  tax,  charge,
levy,  lien or claim so long as (a) the  legality of the same shall be contested
in  good  faith  by  appropriate  proceedings,   and  (b)  Borrower  shall  have
established  on its books  adequate  reserves  with  respect  to such  contested
assessment,  tax,  charge,  levy,  lien, or claim in accordance  with  generally
accepted accounting practices.  Borrower, upon demand of Lender, will furnish to
Lender evidence of payment of the assessments, taxes, charges, levies, liens and
claims and will authorize the  appropriate  governmental  official to deliver to
Lender at any time a  written  statement  of any  assessments,  taxes,  charges,
levies, liens and claims against Borrower's properties, income, or profits.

Performance.  Perform and comply with all terms, conditions,  and provisions set
forth in this  Agreement and in the Related  Documents in a timely  manner,  and
promptly  notify Lender if Borrower  learns of the occurrence of any event which
constitutes an Event of Default under this Agreement or under any of the Related
Documents.

Operations.  Maintain executive and management  personnel with substantially the
same  qualifications  and  experience as the present  executive  and  management
personnel;  provide  written  notice to Lender of any  change in  executive  and
management  personnel;  conduct its business affairs in a reasonable and prudent
manner and in compliance with all applicable federal,  state and municipal laws,
ordinances,   rules  and  regulations   respecting  its  properties,   charters,
businesses and operations,  including  without  limitation,  compliance with the
Americans With Disabilities Act and with all minimum funding standards and other
requirements of ERISA and other laws applicable to Borrower's  employee  benefit
plans.

Inspection.  Permit  employees  or agents of  Lender at any  reasonable  time to
inspect  any and all  Collateral  for the Loan or  Loans  and  Borrower's  other
properties and to examine or audit Borrower's books,  accounts,  and records and
to make copies and  memoranda of Borrower's  books,  accounts,  and records.  If
Borrower now or at any time hereafter  maintains any records  (including without
limitation  computer  generated  records and computer  software programs for the
generation of such records) in the possession of a third party,  Borrower,  upon
request of Lender,  shall notify such party to permit Lender free access to such
records at all reasonable times and to provide Lender with copies of any records
it may request, all at Borrower's expense.

Compliance  Certificate  Unless waived in writing by Lender,  provide  Lender at
least  annually and at the time of each  disbursement  of Loan  proceeds  with a
certificate  executed by Borrower's chief 



EXHIBIT 10.31
                                     - 9 -


financial officer,  or other officer or person acceptable to Lender,  certifying
that the representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement are true and
correct as of the date of the certificate and further certifying that, as of the
date of the certificate, no Event of Default exists under this Agreement.

Environmental Compliance and Reports. Borrower shall comply in all respects with
all environmental protection federal, state and local laws statutes, regulations
and  ordinances;  not cause or permit to exist, as a result of an intentional or
unintentional  action or omission on its part or on the part of any third party,
on property owned and/or occupied by Borrower,  any environmental activity where
damage may result to the  environment,  unless  such  environmental  activity is
pursuant to and in  compliance  with the  conditions  of a permit  issued by the
appropriate federal, state or local governmental  authorities;  shall furnish to
Lender promptly and in any event within thirty (30) days after receipt thereof a
copy  of any  notice,  summons,  lien,  citation,  directive,  letter  or  other
communication  from any governmental  agency or  instrumentality  concerning any
intentional or unintentional action or omission on Borrower's part in connection
with  any  environmental  activity  whether  or  not  there  is  damage  to  the
environment and/or other natural resources.

Additional  Assurances.  Make,  execute and  deliver to Lender  such  promissory
notes,  mortgages,  deeds of trust,  security agreements,  financing statements,
instruments,  documents  and other  agreements  as Lender or its  attorneys  may
reasonably  request to evidence and secure the Loans and to perfect all Security
Interests.

RECOVERY OF  ADDITIONAL  COSTS.  If the  imposition of or any change in any law,
rule,  regulation or guideline,  or the  interpretation  or  application  of any
thereof by any court or administrative or governmental  authority (including any
request or policy not  having  the force of law)  shall  impose,  modify or make
applicable  any taxes (except U.S.  federal,  state or local income or franchise
taxes imposed on Lender), reserve requirements, capital adequacy requirements or
other  obligations  which would (a) increase the cost to Lender for extending or
maintaining the credit  facilities to which this Agreement  relates,  (b) reduce
the amounts payable to Lender under this Agreement or the Related Documents,  or
(c) reduce the rate of return on Lender's  capital as a consequence  of Lender's
obligations  with  respect to the  credit  facilities  to which  this  Agreement
relates,  then  Borrower  agrees to pay Lender such  additional  amounts as will
compensate  Lender therefor,  within five (5) days after Lender's written demand
for such payment,  which demand shall be  accompanied  by an explanation of such
imposition or charge and a calculation  in reasonable  detail of the  additional
amounts  payable  by  Borrower,  which  explanation  and  calculations  shall be
conclusive in the absence of manifest error.

NEGATIVE  COVENANTS.  Borrower  covenants and agrees with Lender that while this
Agreement is in effect, Borrower shall not, without the prior written consent of
Lender:

Capital Expenditures.  Make or contract to make capital expenditures,  including
leasehold  improvements,  in any fiscal  year in excess of  $10,000.00  or incur
liability for rentals of property (including both real and personal property) in
an amount which,  together with capital  expenditures,  shall in any fiscal year
exceed such sum.  Indebtedness  and for trade debt incurred in the normal course
of business and indebtedness to Lender  contemplated by this Agreement,

EXHIBIT 10.31
                                     - 10 -


create,  incur or assume  indebtedness  for borrowed  money,  including  capital
leases,  (b) except as allowed as a Permitted Lien,  sell,  transfer,  mortgage,
assign,  pledge,  lease,  grant a  security  interest  in,  or  encumber  any of
Borrower's assets, or (c) sell with recourse any of Borrower's accounts,  except
to Lender.

Continuity of Operations.  (a) Engage in any business  activities  substantially
different  than  those  in  which  Borrower  is  presently  engaged,  (b)  cease
operations,  liquidate,  merge, transfer,  acquire or consolidate with any other
entity,  change  ownership,  change  its  name,  dissolve  or  transfer  or sell
Collateral  out of the  ordinary  course of business,  (c) pay any  dividends on
Borrower's stock (other than dividends payable in its stock), provided,  however
that notwithstanding the foregoing,  but only so long as no Event of Default has
occurred and is  continuing  or would result from the payment of  dividends,  if
Borrower is a "Subchapter  S  Corporation"  (as defined in the Internal  Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended),  Borrower may pay cash  dividends on its stock to its
shareholders  from time to time in amounts  necessary to enable the shareholders
to pay income  taxes and make  estimated  income tax  payments to satisfy  their
liabilities  under federal and state law which arise solely from their status as
Shareholders of a Subchapter S Corporation  because of their ownership of shares
of stock of Borrower,  or (d) purchase or retire any of  Borrower's  outstanding
shares or alter or amend Borrower's capital structure.

Loans,  Acquisitions  and  Guaranties.  (a) Loan,  invest in or advance money or
assets, (b) purchase,  create or acquire any interest in any other enterprise or
entity,  or (c) incur any  obligation  as surety or guarantor  other than in the
ordinary course of business.

CESSATION OF  ADVANCES.  If Lender has made any  commitment  to make any Loan to
Borrower,  whether  under this  Agreement or under any other  agreement,  Lender
shall have no  obligation to make Loan Advances or to disburse Loan proceeds if:
(a) Borrower or any Guarantor is in default under the terms of this Agreement or
any of the  Related  Documents  or any  other  agreement  that  Borrower  or any
Guarantor  has with Lender;  (b) Borrower or any  Guarantor  becomes  insolvent,
files a  petition  in  bankruptcy  or  similar  proceedings,  or is  adjudged  a
bankrupt;  (c) there occurs a material  adverse  change in Borrower's  financial
condition,  in the financial condition of any Guarantor,  or in the value of any
Collateral  securing any Loan; or (d) any Guarantor  seeks,  claims or otherwise
attempts to limit, modify or revoke such Guarantor's guaranty of the Loan or any
other loan with Lender.

EVENTS OF DEFAULT.  Each of the following  shall  constitute an Event of Default
under this Agreement:

Default on Indebtedness. Failure of Borrower to make any payment when due on the
Loans.

Other Defaults.  Failure of Borrower or any Grantor to comply with or to perform
when due any other term,  obligation,  covenant or  condition  contained in this
Agreement or in any of the Related  Documents,  or failure of Borrower to comply
with or to perform any other term,  obligation,  covenant or condition contained
in any other agreement between Lender and Borrower.

EXHIBIT 10.31
                                     - 11 -


Default In Favor of Third Parties.  Should Borrower or any Grantor default under
any loan, extension of credit, security agreement,  purchase or sales agreement,
or any other  agreement,  in favor of any  other  creditor  or  person  that may
materially  affect any of  Borrower's  property or  Borrower's  or any Grantor's
ability to repay the Loans or perform their  respective  obligations  under this
Agreement or any of the Related Documents.

False Statements. Any warranty, representation or statement made or furnished to
Lender by or on behalf of Borrower or any Grantor  under this  Agreement  or the
Related  Documents is false or  misleading  in any material  respect at the time
made or furnished, or becomes false or misleading at any time thereafter..

Detective  Collateralization  This  Agreement  or any of the  Related  Documents
ceases  to be in full  force  and  effect  (including  failure  of any  Security
Agreement to create a valid and perfected Security Interest) at any time and for
any reason.

Insolvency.  The  dissolution or termination of Borrower's  existence as a going
business, the insolvency of Borrower, the appointment of a receiver for any part
of Borrower's property, any assignment for the benefit of creditors, any type of
creditor workout,  or the commencement of any proceeding under any bankruptcy or
insolvency laws by or against Borrower.

Creditor or Forfeiture  Proceedings.  Commencement  of foreclosure or forfeiture
proceedings,  whether by judicial  proceeding,  self-help,  repossession  or any
other method,  by any creditor of Borrower,  any creditor of any Grantor against
any collateral  securing the Indebtedness,  or by any governmental  agency. This
includes a garnishment,  attachment,  or levy on or of any of Borrower's deposit
accounts with Lender. However, this Event of Default shall not apply if there is
a good  faith  dispute by  Borrower  or  Grantor,  as the case may be, as to the
validity or  reasonableness  of the claim which is the basis of the  creditor or
forfeiture proceeding, and if Borrower or Grantor gives Lender written notice of
the creditor or forfeiture  proceeding  and furnishes  reserves or a surety bond
for the creditor or forfeiture proceeding satisfactory to Lender.

Events Affecting  Guarantor.  Any of the preceding events occurs with respect to
any  Guarantor  of any of the  Indebtedness  or any  Guarantor  dies or  becomes
incompetent,  or revokes or disputes the validity  of, or liability  under,  any
Guaranty  of the  Indebtedness.  Lender,  at its option,  may,  but shall not be
required  to,  permit  the  Guarantor's  estate  to assume  unconditionally  the
obligations  arising under the guaranty in a manner satisfactory to Lender, and,
in doing so, cure the Event of Default.

Change In  Ownership.  Any change in ownership of  twenty-five  percent (25%) or
more of the common stock of Borrower.

Adverse  Change.  A  material  adverse  change  occurs in  Borrower's  financial
condition,  or Lender  believes  the prospect of payment or  performance  of the
Indebtedness is impaired.

Right to Cure. If any default, other than a Default on Indebtedness,  is curable
and if Borrower or Grantor, as the case may be, has not been given a notice of a
similar default within the preceding twelve (12) months, it may be cured (and no
Event of Default will have occurred) if Borrower or 


EXHIBIT 10.31
                                     - 12 -


Grantor,  as the  case  may be,  after  receiving  written  notice  from  Lender
demanding  cure of such default:  (a) cures the default  within one (1) days; or
(b) if the cure requires  more than one (1) days,  immediately  initiates  steps
which Lender deems in Lender's  sole  discretion  to be  sufficient  to cure the
default and  thereafter  continues and completes  all  reasonable  and necessary
steps sufficient to produce compliance as soon as reasonably practical.

EFFECT OF AN EVENT OF DEFAULT. If any Event of Default shall occur, except where
otherwise provided in this Agreement or the Related  Documents,  all commitments
and  obligations of Lender under this Agreement or the Related  Documents or any
other  agreement  immediately  will terminate  (including any obligation to make
Loan  Advances  or  disbursements),  and, at  Lender's  option all  Indebtedness
immediately  will  become due and  payable,  all  without  notice of any kind to
Borrower,  except that in the case of an Event of Default of the type  described
in the 'insolvency"  subsection above, such acceleration  shall be automatic and
not  optional.  In  addition,  Lender  shall have all the  rights  and  remedies
provided in the Related  Documents or available at law, in equity, or otherwise.
Except as may be  prohibited  by  applicable  law,  all of  Lender's  rights and
remedies  shall be cumulative and may be exercised  singularly or  concurrently.
Election by Lender to pursue any remedy  shall not exclude  pursuit of any other
remedy,  and an  election to make  expenditures  or to take action to perform an
obligation  of  Borrower or of any Grantor  shall not affect  Lender's  right to
declare a default and to exercise its rights and remedies.

MISCELLANEOUS  PROVISIONS.  The following miscellaneous provisions are a part of
this Agreement:

Amendments. This Agreement, together with any Related Documents, constitutes the
entire understanding and agreement of the parties as to the matters set forth in
this  Agreement.  No  alteration  of or  amendment  to this  Agreement  shall be
effective  unless given in writing and signed by the party or parties  sought to
be  charged  or bound by the  alteration  or  amendment.  Applicable  Law.  This
Agreement has to Lender to Lender by Lender In the State the California It there
Is  a  lawsuit,   Borrower  agrees  upon  Lender's  request  to  submit  to  the
jurisdiction  of the courts of Mendocino  County,  the State of California  This
Agreement stroll be governed by and construed In accordance with the laws of the
State of California

Caption  Headings.  Caption  headings  in this  Agreement  are  for  convenience
purposes  only and are not to be used to interpret or define the  provisions  of
this Agreement.

Multiple Parties;  Corporate  Authority.  All obligations of Borrower under this
Agreement shall be joint and several,  and all references to Borrower shall mean
each and every Borrower.  This means that each of the Borrowers signing below is
responsible for all obligations in this Agreement.

Consent to Loan Participation.  Borrower agrees and consents to Lender's sale or
transfer,  whether now or later, of one or more  participation  interests in the
Loans to one or more purchasers,  whether related or unrelated to Lender; Lender
may provide,  without any limitation whatsoever,  to any one or more purchasers,
or potential  purchasers,  any  information  or knowledge  Lender may have about
Borrower or about any other matter  relating to the Loan,  and  Borrower  hereby



EXHIBIT 10.31
                                     - 13 -


waives any rights to privacy it may have with respect to such  matters  Borrower
additionally waives any and all notices of sale of participation  interests,  as
well as all notices of any repurchase of such participation interests.  Borrower
also agrees that the  purchasers  of any such  participation  interests  will be
considered as the absolute  owners of such  interests in the Loans and will have
all the rights granted under the participation agreement or agreements governing
the sale of such participation interests.  Borrower further waives all rights of
offset or  counterclaim  that it may have now or later against Lender or against
any purchaser of such a participation  interest and unconditionally  agrees that
either Lender or such  purchaser  may enforce  Borrower's  obligation  under the
Loans irrespective of the failure or insolvency of any holder of any interest in
the Loans.  Borrower further agrees that the purchaser of any such participation
interests  may enforce its  interests  irrespective  of any  personal  claims or
defenses that Borrower may have against Lender.

Costs and Expenses. Borrower agrees to pay upon demand all of Lender's expenses,
including without  limitation  attorneys' fees,  incurred in connection with the
preparation,  execution,  enforcement,   modification  and  collection  of  this
Agreement  or in  connection  with the Loans made  pursuant  to this  Agreement.
Lender  may pay  someone  else to help  collect  the Loans and to  enforce  this
Agreement,  and Borrower  will pay that amount.  This  includes,  subject to any
limits  under  applicable  law,  Lender's  attorneys'  fees and  Lender's  legal
expenses,  whether  or not there is a  lawsuit,  including  attorneys'  fees for
bankruptcy  proceedings (including efforts to modify or vacate any automatic shy
or injunction), appeals, and any anticipated post -judgment collection services.
Borrower  also will pay any court costs,  in addition to all other sums provided
by law.

Notices. All notices required to be given under this Agreement shall be given in
writing,  may be sent by  telefacsimilie,  and shall be effective  when actually
delivered or when deposited with a nationally  recognized  overnight  courier or
deposited in the United States mail, first class, postage prepaid,  addressed to
the party to whom the  notice is to be given at the  address  shown  above.  Any
party may change its address for notices  under this  Agreement by giving formal
written notice to the other parties,  specifying  that the purpose of the notice
is to change the party's address.  To the extent permitted by applicable law, if
there is more than one Borrower,  notice to any Borrower will constitute  notice
to all Borrowers. For notice purposes, Borrower will keep Lender informed at all
times of Borrower's current address(es).

Severability.  If a court of competent  jurisdiction finds any provision of this
Agreement to be invalid or unenforceable as to any person or circumstance,  such
finding shall not render that provision invalid or unenforceable as to any other
persons or  circumstances.  If feasible,  any such offending  provision shall be
deemed to be modified  to be within the limits of  enforceability  or  validity;
however, if the offending provision cannot be so modified,  it shall be stricken
and all other  provisions of this  Agreement in all other  respects shall remain
valid and enforceable.

Subsidiaries  and  Affiliates  of  Borrower.  To the extent  the  context of any
provisions of this Agreement makes it appropriate,  including without limitation
any  representation,  warranty or  covenant,  the word  "Borrower as used herein
shall include all subsidiaries and affiliates of Borrower.  Notwithstanding  the
foregoing however,  under no circumstances  shall this Agreement be construed to
require  Lender  to  make  any  Loan or  other  financial  accommodation  to any
subsidiary or affiliate of Borrower.

EXHIBIT 10.31
                                     - 14 -


Successors and Assigns.  All covenants and agreements  contained by or on behalf
of Borrower shall bind its successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit
of Lender,  its successors and assigns.  Borrower shall not,  however,  have the
right to assign its rights under this Agreement or any interest therein, without
the prior written consent of Lender.

Survival.  All  warranties,  representations,  and covenants made by Borrower in
this Agreement or in any certificate or other  instrument  delivered by Borrower
to Lender under this  Agreement  shall be considered to have been relied upon by
Lender and will  survive  the making of the Loan and  delivery  to Lender of the
Related Documents, regardless of any investigation made by Lender or on Lender's
behalf.

Time  Is of the  Essence.  Time is of the  essence  in the  performance  of this
Agreement.

Waiver Lender shall not be deemed to have waived any rights under this Agreement
unless  such  waiver  is given in  writing  and  signed by  Lender.  No delay or
omission on the part of Lender in exercising any right shall operate as a waiver
of such  right or any other  right.  A waiver by Lender of a  provision  of this
Agreement shall not prejudice or constitute a waiver of Lender's right otherwise
to demand strict  compliance  with that provision or any other provision of this
Agreement.  No prior waiver by Lender,  nor any course of dealing between Lender
and Borrower,  or between Lender and any Grantor,  shall  constitute a waiver of
any of Lender's rights or of any obligations of Borrower or of any Grantor as to
any future  transactions.  Whenever the consent of Lender is required under this
Agreement,  the  granting of such  consent by Lender in any  instance  shall not
constitute  continuing  consent in  subsequent  instances  where such consent is
required,  and in all cases such  consent may be granted or withheld in the sole
discretion of Lender.

BORROWER  ACKNOWLEDGES  HAVING READ ALL THE  PROVISIONS  OF THIS  BUSINESS  LOAN
AGREEMENT,  AND  BORROWER  AGREES TO ITS TERMS.  THIS  AGREEMENT  IS DATED AS OF
SEPTEMBER 25,1996.

BORROWER:

Mendocino Brewing Company, a California corporation

By:  /s/ Norman Franks
Norman Franks, Chief Financial Officer

By:  /s/ Michael Laybourn
Michael Laybourn, Chief Executive Officer

LENDER: SAVINGS BANK OF MENDOCINO COUNTY

By:  /s/ Martin J. Lombardi
Authorized Officer




EXHIBIT 10.31
                                     - 15 -