After months of COVID-19 impacting our lives, I’ve finally decided to write about it. And while there’s lots that could be discussed . . . government restrictions, masks, travel, vaccines, schools, etc; the topic of focus for this article is reopening taprooms during COVID-19.
This is a critical moment for many breweries and may determine if they make it through this time. Most small craft breweries created their business based on taproom revenue. COVID-19 took away that revenue stream for many breweries putting them in really bad spot.
Luckily, many breweries were able to still sell direct to consumers with packaged beer but there’s no doubt that they aren’t seeing the profit they are accustomed. And with restaurants being closed, they also are seeing lower numbers into those accounts. No matter how a brewery is structured, COVID-19 has decreased their volume and threatens their livelihood.
But there might be light at the end of the tunnel as most of the country is reopening and taprooms can once again pour onsite beer.
What Are Breweries Doing To Keep Us Safe?
I think we’ve all grown weary of the different terms and phrases that have become so prevalent during COVID-19 . . . social distancing, new normal, and all of the memes showing us how not to wear a mask. The level of coverage on this topic can easily overwhelm someone especially as the updates and changes happen nearly daily.
For breweries, taking in all of these updates is imperative so they can exhibit their level of care and concern for the community. Here are some of the most common ways I’ve noticed breweries taking steps to reduce the risk when visiting their taprooms.
Limited Capacity – Less people should result in less exposure; however, it also results in less beer sold (aka income).
Reservations – To ensure restricted capacity, some breweries are requiring you reserve a time slot before visiting.
Mask Required – Obviously, you can remove the mask when seated and drinking.
Disposable Cups – We love proper glassware but that isn’t happening at every taproom.
Flights – Taprooms are simplifying their operations and that may mean they have stopped serving flights.
Seating At Bar – To increase physical distance, most are not allowing seating at the bar.
Brewery Tours – To protect their precious supply of beer, it only makes sense to not allow customers into the brewing areas right now.
Table Service – This is new for most breweries and helps reduce movement throughout the taproom.
No Kids – Another way to restrict the number of people has been to not allow kids into the taproom.
No TVs – To discourage lingering, some taprooms have removed or turned off their TVs.
Have you heard of other ways breweries are limiting their taproom service to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19? Drop a comment below and let me know!
Reopening Taprooms During COVID-19 Has Changed The Experience
With all of these changes, the experience of going to a taproom has changed. After not being able to visit breweries for months, craft beer fans are excited and ready to re-engage with their favorite spots. Picking up a six-pack to enjoy at home isn’t the same as having a few pints at the brewery.
Many are also wanting to support the brewery and their staff. Being connected to the craft beer community is important to fans of beer so they are eager to show their support to those that brew and serve. Reopening taprooms during COVID-19 isn’t easy for these businesses so the extra support is appreciated.
But many are wondering about the overall experience. Considering all of the restrictions and changes, will it be as much fun or interesting to visit a brewery right now? In addition to loving the beer, people pay $6+ for a beer because of the experience.
Knowing the craft beer community, they will support breweries well during this time. Hopefully, the support they receive will keep their doors open and the beer brewing. But I think we have to wonder how long that support will exist without the experience we all desire.
Enjoying more beer at home right now? Consider upgrading your glassware!
My Unpopular Opinion
I’m not excited about going back to taprooms.
And it isn’t about being afraid of getting COVID-19. I fear that the experience won’t be the same and I’ll lose a bit of my love for my local taprooms.
Does this make me a “bad” craft beer fan? Maybe but I also don’t think I am the only one. Visiting a brewery was always about more than just the beer. It was about community and if I am not permitted to experience community then the only thing left is the beer.
And don’t get me wrong, I love beer but I can drink a beer many different places – including at home. I pay more for beer at the brewery because of the experience.
And while I am not excited because of the restrictions that limit the experience, I understand we are far from going back to “normal” because COVID-19 isn’t over and there is fear of another outbreak. I do worry that some of the breweries that I love won’t be able to weather this storm.
Is reopening taprooms during COVID-19 a good idea? That is a debate I’m not interested in having; this time has been very divisive and that is just one topic that is ripping our country apart. So for the sake of our society, I hope we can all become more compassionate towards those they may not know or understand. And having a beer with someone is a great way to get to know them; I just hope that we can eventually do that in a taproom.