December 9, 2020
Greetings NC Craft Beer Supporters,
I want to personally thank you for your continued support of North Carolina’s independent craft beer industry throughout this pandemic. I also want to commend you for taking the #NCBeerPledge and in doing so, serving as an example of compassion and responsibility in your community. Your selfless behavior has allowed countless breweries and other businesses to remain open.
We have seen that the 3 W’s are alive and well in our taprooms: you wear your masks; you wait 6’ apart; and, you wash your hands often. These acts of courtesy and care make a difference. 2020 has been a challenge and with holidays coming, and the virus reaching new levels of community spread, our mission becomes even more important.
Yesterday, Governor Cooper issued Executive Order 181. This is a modified stay at home order which requires most businesses to close between 10pm and 5am, and mandates an on-premise alcohol sales curfew at 9PM. This Executive Order is aimed at helping slow the spread of COVID which is reaching dangerous new levels.
While the various Executive Orders are all aimed at making it safe to conduct business without increasing public health risks, it is not the only measure we can take. It is incumbent on us as good citizens to do our part. Please continue to set the example and spread the word. In order to get past this pandemic we all need to practice the 3 W’s, and encourage our friends and family to do so, as well.
I ask that you stay mindful of these guidelines not only when out in public, but when interacting with friends, neighbors and family. Yes, masks may be inconvenient, uncomfortable and fog your glasses, but they save lives. Masks Mean Business! And your actions do make a difference!
Again, thank you for your support of our local independent craft brewers. Thank you for complying with the #NCBeerPledge and NCDHHS guidelines. And, thank you for your actions to keep yourself and your fellow North Carolineans safe. This holiday season, please take care of yourselves and your families, embrace the 3 W’s, download SlowCOVIDNC, and know this most unusual winter will give way to a spring of hope - vaccines are coming. So, let’s stay focused and dedicated to beating this pandemic back. We are stronger together.
From the NC Craft Brewers Guild and our entire brewery family we wish you a healthy and safe holiday.
Richard Greene
Executive Director
NC Craft Brewers Guild