It’s a crazy time in the world and while it’s necessary for all of us to be responsible and to look after our well being, businesses in the U.S. are suffering. With canceled events and mandated closures, the Brewers Association found that 99% of U.S. breweries were adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
It’s been said that things are likely to get worse before they get better. And it seems likely that it might be awhile before life returns normal. That beings said, it’s certainly possible to continue to support your favorite local craft breweries. Here are a few suggestions:
Buy Beer for Pickup or Delivery
For many states, breweries have been only restricted to taproom closures, meaning that beer cannot be consumed on-site. This allows them to still offer beer to-go options in the form of filling new growlers and crowlers, as well as canned/bottled beer sales. Although you may not be able to enjoy it at the taproom or brewery itself, you’re still able to enjoy their delicious beer while practicing social distancing.
Beer deliveries — with this unprecedented situation, many breweries are working with their local government to be able to offer this service.
Gift Cards
Already have all the beer you need right now? Buy a gift card online from your local brewery and use it when they reopen. Or buy a few and give them to family and friends.
Buy Merch
Get ahead on birthday/holiday/misc special occasion or just because shopping. As far as we know, breweries are able to sell and ship out merch as they would if they were operating regularly.
It also never hurts to show a little extra love if you are utilizing a beer delivery service or dropping by the brewery for some beer to go. We’re all navigating through this crazy time together — and the reality of it is that a large part of incoming revenue will be affected with the closures of breweries and taprooms. If you’re interested in getting a more in-depth perspective on the economic situation and what it could potentially mean for breweries, Brewers Associations’ Chief Economist Bart Watson shared some insights and analysis in this article.
