USA, SC: 80% of South Carolina won�t be able to stand open more than three months � Brewer�s Guild

According to a recent internal survey gathered by members of the South Carolina Brewer's Guild, 80% of brewers won't be able to stay open more than three months, ABC News 4 reported on April 14.

It also found that 15% said they won’t be able to stay open another one to four weeks, while 65% saying they likely will only be able to stay open between one and three months.

The survey found that around 70% of breweries have had to lay off or furlough employees and 35% of all breweries have ceased production entirely, with 60% slowing it. It also found that on average, sales from breweries and brewpubs have decreased by 70%, with about 45% showing sales declines over 80%.

The Guild is asking for the South Carolina Department of Revenue to ease restrictions to allow for home delivery and direct shipment of products in order to balance the needs of commerce with the promotion of public health and social distancing needs. The Guild also requested that SCDOR also extend relief to retailers such as bars and restaurants as well.

“Allowing these practices would ease the strain on the economy while promoting proper social distancing, self-isolation, and quarantine protocols by providing one more way to keep people at home with their families while allowing the hospitality industry to better take care of theirs,"said Guild Executive Director Brook Bristow.

The state’s brewing industry supports roughly 5,000 jobs and last year, made an economic impact of $796 million dollars.