The Brewers Association announced today that is partnering with the nonprofit group Bottleshare on a relief fund for breweries facing financial hardship due to the pandemic.
The Believe in Beer Fund will support independent breweries and state brewers’ guilds that apply for financial assistance. The aid is meant for operational expenses such as payroll, rent, or utility bills, the BA says in the announcement. There is a Gofundme site for the effort here.
The widespread public effort to slow the coronavirus by staying at home and practicing social distancing has presented an unprecedented challenge for the hospitality industry. Bars, taprooms, and draft beer have gone into hibernation, as breweries have pivoted to curbside, to-go, and delivery sales in a bid to stay afloat until local economies can safely reopen.