Business all over America are shutting down to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Some states like Ohio, where I live, California, Illinois, Washington, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvanian, Massachusetts and beyond are mandating that restaurants and bars close down or have certain restrictions. What does that mean exactly for craft breweries in those states? Well, let’s turn to each state’s craft beer trade association or guild to help explain what’s still open and what services are still allowed. From open pubs and ongoing beer production to carryout sales and social distancing between onsite patrons, we’ll update this post as more associations release info.
Guilds and associations can send info to [email protected].
Washington Brewers Guild:
Governor Inslee announced that he will be issuing an emergency declaration closing bars, restaurants, entertainment and recreation facilities. This announcement coincided with a similar announcement from King County.
Here is the official statement from the Governor’s Office.
The Seattle Times has additional info here and is reporting that the order will extend through the end of the month.
There will be an allowance for restaurants to continue take-out and deliveries sales. We have no reason to believe that this allowance would not apply to beer to go sales, but are in direct communication with the Governor’s office, the Department of Commerce and the Liquor and Cannabis Board so that we can provide that assurance and clarity for our brewers.
We will continue to communicate information coming out from the Governor’s office, our state regulators, community resources, and information about help for small businesses and employees.
These are unprecedented times and we know there will be immediate and lasting impacts to our state breweries and will be working with lawmakers and others in the hospitality sector to seek economic and regulatory relief for impacted breweries.
Resources for Businesses and Employees:
Beer Delivery Rules/Curbside Pick-Up
Rules for delivery compliance can be found on our website, here. Please note: the links to the required LCB forms will download to your computer. Email completed forms to your local LCB enforcement agent.
We were also able to confirm with the LCB, in writing, that breweries may take online or phone orders/payment and bring purchased product out to a customer’s car for curbside pick-up service. Just be sure you’re checking IDs and that your product’s label meets federal labeling requirements.
Indiana breweries currently open for carry-out or deliver listed here
According to the Brewers of Indiana Guild page, you can help support your local independent Indiana breweries by considering purchasing carry-out or delivery or a gift card for future use.
The link below is a list of breweries that are currently open for carry-out or delivery (the guild will continue to add to the list as its members update the organization with hours and plans). It is, of course, recommend that you give the brewery a call or check their social media to confirm hours and times as things may change day to day.
New York State Brewers Association
Governor’s Mandate to Cease On-Premise Sales (Effective March 16, 8 p.m.)
Effective March 16 at 8 p.m., NYS breweries/brewpubs/taprooms must temporarily cease sales of alcohol for on-premise consumption. The sale of beer to-go is permitted. The NYSBA is working with the SLA to temporarily permit curbside pickup and at-home delivery of alcohol during these dire times. Providing either service is currently ILLEGAL in NYS.
Governor’s Mandate to Reduce Capacity by 50% (Effective March 13, 5 p.m.)
All venues in the state seating 500 people or less will need to reduce capacity by 50 percent — including restaurants, bars, breweries and taprooms. Example: Your taproom’s mass capacity is 150, only 75 people can be on-premise simultaneously.
Governor’s Mass Gathering Regulations (Effective March 13, 5 p.m.)
Events with 500 or more individuals in attendance to be cancelled or postponed.
Any Gathering under 500 individuals in attendance will be required to cut capacity by 50 percent.
Colorado Brewers Guild
Support local breweries during this difficult time by purchasing gift cards and merchandise from the comfort of your own home.
We’re collecting info about breweries’ online stores so you can easily support them through this pandemic. See the table here for the list, updated in real time by the brewers. This info will also be available at porchdrinking.com and on Google Sheets.
We will also share important updates on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
Wondering if your brewery can deliver beer to you? Unfortunately neither breweries nor brewpubs can deliver to consumers in Colorado: Only retail liquor stores, liquor licensed drugstores, and fermented malt beverage retailers can deliver, and only under certain parameters. For the time being, breweries may still offer carryout beer to go.
We’re working hard to gather COVID-19 pandemic information, resources, and relief for CBG member breweries and to share it as quickly as possible. Thank you for supporting local, independent beer.
And thank you for washing your hands, social distancing, and taking other proper precautions to ensure your health and that of your fellow community members.
Iowa Brewers Guild
Please refer to the CDC for the most up to date info on best practices and CDC guidelines/suggestions.
For brewery specific recommendations, please follow the Brewers Association updates and use their resources.
If your brewery has been impacted by the current health crisis, please fill out the Brewers Association’s survey.
Unemployment Insurance Info can be found here.
As your plan for to-go is set, please fill out the Google Sheets Doc sent in an email from Kelsey [email protected].
If you are needing assistance regarding quarterly dues deferment, please email Kelsey [email protected].
Breweries offering beer to-go in Iowa
(this is by no means comprehensive, just a compilation of info that we have received from breweries)
*This will be updated a couple times a day if there are changes.
Brewers Association of Maryland
MARYLAND BEER’S STATEMENT: COVID-19 (UPDATE)
March 17, 2020 by Jim Bauckman
WHAT ARE WE DOING? The Brewers Association of Maryland is committed to the health and safety of each of our members, partners, supporters, and event attendees. Currently, there are no changes to upcoming Brewers Association of Maryland events. Any determination regarding the cancellation or postponement of our events will be guided by the input and expertise of federal, state, county, and local health professionals and administrations. Any changes to the event schedule will be communicated via our website and social media channels.
Members of the Brewers Association of Maryland have individual response policies in their taprooms and tasting rooms. Check with individual breweries for updates to their daily schedules, event activities, and product availability.
Public response to COVID-19 will have a large impact on small, local businesses throughout Maryland. Consider supporting Maryland businesses as you make preparations.
HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT MARYLAND BREWERIES?
While tasting rooms at Maryland breweries are closed for on-premise service, breweries are able to sell beer for consumers to take for consumption off-premise. Many breweries are offering “curbside” pickup options, mitigating interactions in closed spaces, and several are working with local liquor authorities to develop plans for the delivery of their beer. During this time, we ask that you support Maryland breweries and their staff by doing the following:
Check if the hours at your local brewery tasting room have been altered by the state’s COVID-19 guidelines.
Find out if your local brewery is offering a curbside pickup or delivery options.
If your local retailer is open for business, ask them to stock your favorite Maryland beer.
The Brewers Association of Maryland and our members appreciate your ongoing commitment to supporting Maryland beer. Please check with individual breweries to learn about their responses to COVID-19.
North Carolina Craft Brewers Guild
COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) continues to spread around the world to more than 132,000 now infected, as the number of cases in North Carolina is also growing. This virus has had a dramatic impact on public health, the world’s psyche, and financial markets. And while chances of contracting the virus are still comparatively low, It is imperative as businesses that serve the public that you take steps to protect your customers and employees.
Gov. Roy Cooper has declared a state of emergency for North Carolina and the Governor’s coronavirus task force is working on action plans to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. At this time, the Governor is urging businesses and residents to start taking action, this includes limiting large gatherings, working from home where and when possible, staying home when feeling ill, and maintaining adequate “social distancing”.
We have attached several websites that will have the latest accurate information on the disease and steps you can and should be taking. BE PROACTIVE… Check these websites daily. The Guild will continue to monitor the situation and will work to help keep you informed.
Kentucky Guild of Brewers says
@WABrewersGuild @OhioCraftBeer @CACraftBrewers @coloradobrewers @thinkNYdrinkNY @DrinkIndiana Our… https://t.co/Gs7DAbv0D8
Ohio Craft Beer says
Thank you for doing this. It seems like this situation changes by the hour and we’re all doing our best to support these small businesses and their employees that are heavily impacted.