Hoist the patio umbrellas! MOST of our breweries will begin opening starting Monday, June 8. But, before you grab your face mask and head out the door, here are a few things you should be prepared for:
In accordance with the state’s guidelines, to be a qualifying business able to reopen in phase two, breweries must have a food permit. This means that not all breweries will reopen at the same time, and some may not be able to open for on-premise consumption during phase two at all. Also, just because they can open as early as Monday, does not mean they’ll be ready to. Check the brewery’s social media pages or website for updated hours of operation and to learn their official reopening date.
**As of June 22** Many breweries are open for outdoor seating only. Like the hearty New Englanders we are, prepare for any and all weather. Our breweries are doing their utmost to ensure coverage and shade, but you never know when a shower may pass by. Indoor seating begins on June 22 and it may take some taprooms/brewpubs time to transition. Please check their respective websites or social media sites to learn more.
Due to social distancing protocols breweries may have fewer seats. Many breweries have put a reservation system in place to avoid wait times and congregating in tap room entrances. Check the brewery/brewpub’s social media pages or website to learn if a reservation is recommended.
A hostess and/or host will seat you upon arrival.
Self-service is no longer permitted. A server will take your order at your seat.
Seating around the bar top has been removed.
Face coverings and/or masks are required upon arrival and anytime you are not seated. Once seated you can lower your mask. When your server arrives to take your order or to clear your table we ask that you re-cover your face to help keep everyone safe.
We ask that you do not float between tables and stay 6ft. from other guests when waiting to be seated or to use the facilities, while wearing a face covering or mask.
No parties larger than six people are permitted. Children/infants are counted in party sizes.
Complying with all of these new regulations will aid our breweries in a smooth reopening process, will keep our communities safe, and will allow our breweries to stay open. We thank you all for your help with this.
With all of these changes, here’s the good news. Here’s what will remain the same: Our commitment to creating delicious, fresh, high-quality beer and serving it with a smile (underneath our face coverings). Our commitment to growing the Massachusetts beer culture and keeping our breweries a fun space to gather with family and friends. Our commitment to keeping you and your loved ones safe.
From all of us at the Mass Brewers Guild, we thank you for supporting #MABeer! We can’t wait to have a beer together soon.
