To Support Displaced Beer Industry Workers

CHARLOTTE, NC • March 20, 2020 — In recent weeks, the craft beer industry has been devastated by the viral spread of COVID-19. Government-mandated closures of bars and restaurants have shuttered the taprooms that small breweries rely upon for most of their income. This has resulted in layoffs and work hour reductions, leaving countless brewery employees without a steady income.

In response, the Charlotte Independent Brewers Alliance (CIBA) has mobilized, creating a support mechanism for those in the local craft beer hospitality industry who have lost their jobs either permanently or temporarily as a result of taproom and restaurant closures.

“Longtime Charlotteans and newcomers alike are served by some of the most knowledgeable, passionate and personable staff in an all-around tight-knit community” said CIBA’s Executive Director, Nils Weldy. “This is a chance for Charlotte beer lovers to extend appreciation from a distance until freshly poured pint service resumes,” he continued.

Help Our People in Service (HOPS) is a virtual tip jar, designed to allow Charlotteans to send money, via digital payment services such as Venmo or PayPal, to the bartender, server, host or service employee of their choice. It provides an up-to-date list of affected workers and how to send them virtual “tips.” The list is open to employees from Charlotte-area breweries, bottle shops, craft beer bars and craft-centric restaurants who were impacted by these closures.

Those affected may sign up using the HOPS Registration Form.

Those wishing to see current names and send “tips” may do so at HOPS Virtual Tip Jar.