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Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Edmonton’s local breweries relied on patrons to come to them.

Now, after three weeks of offering home delivery, Alley Kat co-owner Cameron French said the service may become a permanent part of his business if demand remains high after the pandemic ends.

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“I don’t think we will necessarily be able to deliver beer at noon on a Wednesday,” he said. “We may have to shift to an evening delivery. (I’m) not sure (what) that will look like.”

Edmonton-based breweries have had to make drastic changes to their business models after the province ordered restaurants and bars to shut down in an effort to slow the spread of the disease. In response, many have made the switch to home delivery.

French said, on average, Alley Kat does 30 to 40 deliveries a day. The beer is dropped off at the front door, ensuring no contact, and patrons must show ID through a window.

French is hoping to maintain his staff of 20 with help from government relief programs. He said one employee was temporarily laid off after the taphouse was closed but if he gets government assistance, he will be able to rehire that worker.